One of the things I sought out in advance of my trip was to find an orchestral concert during my stay, preferably Sibelius (naturally) but with a priority on hearing any Finnish music live (there are so many wonderful composers).
While disappointed to find that any relevant concerts were just days before or days after, the kindly music goddess bestowed upon us an open day at the Helsinki Music Centre, Musiikkitalo! Super bonus.
Plenty of people, plenty of small ensembles playing, lecturers lecturing (yes, in Finnish, so I got very little), the Sibelius Academy and a special and free performance by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, playing Sibelius!
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| *bows head* |
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| In the foyer |
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| Shadow play |
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| Wind ensemble |
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| Bring out your (bass) saxes |
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| The Academy's saxophone ensemble |
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| The Helsinki Philharmonic |
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| Singing Finlandia, full voice, outside on the big screen |
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| On the other side |
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| Looking back |
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| On the corner |
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| The view waiting for the bus (but not in Tokyo) |
It was a rainy day outside but so much to do inside. What a bonus day!
[Camera : iPhone6s, 12.01pm-3.12pm; 9 September 2017; on the iPhone to save battery power for the main show tomorrow]
