Monday 26 August 2013

Night music

Last week, we went to listen to some baroque music performed in the Espoo Cathedral. Where I come from most of the old churches are wooden so it is always a thrill to visit one of the medieval stone churches, and even more so to attend a concert late in a summer evening.



Every Thursday from June to August, a classical concert of some sort is held in the Espoo Cathedral starting at 10 pm. This is an annual festival that began almost 30 years ago and has grown into a versatile and reputable series of events with quite a number of renowned performers. Last Thursday they were mezzo-soprano Monica Groop (his favourite) and the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra. The August evening was already quite dark but we are planning another visit next June to see whether the ambiance of a light summer night will add even something extra to the experience.



The Espoo Cathedral was built in the late 15th century. The bell tower is almost 300 years younger, from 1767. I took the daytime photos last summer when I was driving by and decided to have a stroll in the old churchyard.

The title of the festival is Urkuyö ja Aaria and translates Organ Night and Aria (sorry, their website is only in Finnish).




4 comments:

  1. That looks an amazing venue for the concert, it must have been quite magical.
    Sarah x

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    1. It certainly was. My only regret is that once again I was too shy to take any photos inside, except for the quick shot from where we were sitting towards the altar.

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  2. Meillä täällä Turussa ja lähiseuduilla taas tuntuu olevan enemmän noita kivikirkkoja, joten minä olen aina ihastunut, kun pääsen puukirkkoon.

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    1. Mukavaa, että näinkin päin. Palasimme muuten juuri tänä iltana Varsinais-Suomesta muutamaa kivikirkkoanne ihastelemasta.

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