Helsinki Early Music 6.10.-12.10.2006

 

As its theme for 2006 Helsinki Early Music has chosen Italy. It is a theme of ample potential, since the region nowadays known as Italy was one of the musical hubs of Europe in the Baroque era. The arts were in a state of ferment, and new ideas were rife. Venice and Florence were leading centres of innovation, church music flourished in Rome, and Bologna and the other northern Italian cities saw the development of instrumental music. The influence of Italy was also felt elsewhere in Europe, making its mark on many national styles.

In honour of this theme, Helsinki Early Music has invited the Italian violin virtuoso Riccardo Minasi as its principal guest. Minasi will be giving a solo recital and conducting the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra. The other visitors from abroad include Spanish soprano María Espada, Andrew Lawrence-King, a conductor already familiar and popular in Finland, Swedish soprano Susanne Rydén, and the European Union Baroque Orchestra conducted by French cellist Christophe Coin. The Festival will not, however, be forgetting Finnish artists, such as the HEM Ensemble, the Utopia Choir and Battalia, harpsichordist Aapo Häkkinen, the Volante quartet and fortepianist Eveliina Kytömäki. Helsinki Early Music once again promises exciting and intimate arts experiences at venues known for their atmosphere. The Artistic Director of the Festival is harpsichordist Anna-Maaria Oramo.