Helsinki University Chorus 120 years

The Helsinki University Chorus (YL), the first Finnish-speaking choir celebrates its 120th Anniversary. During this week the YL will give two jubilee concerts, and release a CD and a note collection.

On April 2 the Finnish forefront choir performed works of Jean Sibelius, Toivo Kuula, Leevi Madetoja and Selim Palmgren. The Helsinki University Chorus focuses naturally on Sibelius – many of his choral works have been commissioned by the YL. The choir will release a CD of Sibelius' complete songs for male voice choir a cappella, and also a new note collection of Sibelius' choral works will be published.

In addition to the history, also the present will be on the spot. For 120 years the Helsinki University Chorus has concentrated on commissioning, performing and recording of new music. On April 5 the choir will premiere six new works commissioned for the main jubilee concert. The new compositions have been written by Mikko Heiniö, Seppo Pohjola, Riikka Talvitie, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, Lars Karlsson and Uljas Pulkkis.

Johanna Järventaus/Fimic
2 April, 2003