Suden aika to perform at TFF Rudolstadt, Germany's biggest folk festival

Vocal quartet Suden aika has been invited to perform at TFF Rudolstadt on July 7-9. Formerly known as Rudolstadt Tanz und Folkfest, the festival is Germany's biggest of its kind. It is also a popular scouting event for the other festivals working in the same field.

Finnish performers have traditionally gained a good amount of visibility in Rudolstadt. Finland was the festival's first ever focus country in 1993, and in the 2000's Finnish artists have featured in the yearly compilation album almost in every edition. In 2005 the Rudolstadt CD contained a track of Eläkeläiset, 2003 Kimmo Pohjonen Kluster, 2002 M.A. Numminen, and 2000 Mieskuoro Huutajat.

Suden aika appears in three concerts within this year's festival. Combining ancient Finnish rune singing style with modern and even experimental vocal textures, the group has gigged in Germany more than in any other country. According to Tellu Turkka, one of the members of Suden aika, this is partly due to the close collaboration with the German-based Nordpool Agency.

Besides, Germans just happen to like Suden aika, says Turkka. "I have heard that people have experienced our music as human, rootsy, earthy, loving and well-feeling. The stories in Kalevalaic meter open in so many levels, and we always have translations in the album booklet."

Aside from Turkka the vocalists of Suden aika include Liisa Matveinen, Katariina Airas and Nora Vaura. The group will release their third, yet-to-be-named album in Germany in July (Laika Records) and in Finland in September (Rockadillo Records).

Concert dates in Germany

Jun 9	Krems, Haus der Regionen
Jun 10	Krems, Haus der Regionen
Jul 7	TFF Rudolstadt, Market Square
Jul 8	TFF Rudolstadt, Burgterrasse
Jul 9	TFF Rudolstadt, Church concert
Jul 28	Hunsrück, Frauenmusikfestival
Jul 29	Nürnberg, Bardentreffen

Mika Kauhanen/Fimic
24 May, 2006