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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=20-Oct-2017&lang=en&s=13615
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=20-Oct-2017&lang=en&s=13615
20-Oct-2017
Suomi 100 - Väyrynen 50 - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 On October 11th, 2017, Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen presented a monumental concert in Helsinki titled 'Suomi 100 – Väyrynen 50' in honor of Finland's 100th Anniversary and his own 50th Birthday celebration. Comprising several World Premieres, the program showcased some of Finland's most renowned composers who were in attendance for the event at the Helsinki Music Hall Camarata Threatre. Pictures Above: Helsinki Music Hall with Mika's concert advertised. Mika is pictured with composers (from left) Eero Hämeenniemi, Juha Salmesvuori, Harri Wessman, Paavo Korpijaakko and Veli Kujala. Pictures right: Mika Väyrynen in Concert, Mika with Finnish General Pasi Välimäki Mika Väyrynen has given hundreds of recitals in Finland, Europe, Asia and the United States. He is one of Finland’s internationally best-known and most highly appreciated accordionists. He began his concert career in the mid-1980s and has appeared with almost every Finnish orchestra and at music festivals around the world. In addition to his solo career, he has also performed as a chamber artist with many of the world's most distinguished musicians. To honor Finland's 100th Anniversary, Mika performed the following Finnish works: Lamento (2017) by Harri Wessman (b. 1949). When Mika commissioned Wessman to write a piece for his concert, he requested a beautiful piece that might serve as a memoriam for his friend Jouni Kaipainen. Lamento reflects Kaipainen's structural intensity in style, while in spirit reflects a melancholic truth of how we all will leave this world at some stage, however, in the case of Jouni Kaipainen, just too soon. Gena, Op. 31 (1987), Vento, Op. 58 (1998) and Placido, Op. 68 (2003) by Jouni Kaipainen (1956-2015). Gena was Kaipainen's his first accordion composition, but he stated writing it was such a pleasant experience, he knew it wouldn't be his last. Vento (wind) inspired Kaipainen to think of things that he had never been able to write before and is dedicated to Mika Väyrynen without whom Vento wouldn’t exist. Placido (calm), also written for Mika, was intended to be less technically demanding by comparison. However, as the piece developed, it became exceptionally challenging with large chordal passages and many separate polyphonic melodies which require exceptional ability to be able to clearly bring out all these elements. Memories and Friendship (2017) by Juha Salmesvuori (b. 1965). Salmsvuori's 20 years of friendship with Mika was rekindled after an absence and this motivated him to compose Memories and Friendship. The middle part “Lullaby of Space” is dedicated to those friends that have already passed on, while the final part takes you “home” again reflecting the two motives that were introduced in the first part. Sonata No. 2 - "Dead on Time" (2017), by Paavo Korpijaakko. This work is the culmination of Paavo’s and Mika’s long, fruitful co-operation. Dedicated to Mika, the name refers to the ruthless times and people’s common sadness. In three movements, (1) Toccata is dynamic and rhythmic full of life while (2) 'Meditation' has a slow moving structure while (3) “Burning Papyrus” explains the name of the composition where the performer would keep playing, as the knowledge vanishes as the flames get bigger and the written music burns away. Velocita (2017) by Eero Hämeenniemi (b. 1951). Dedicated Mika with heartfelt congratulations on his 50th birthday, Hämeenniemi set out to make a playground for Mika’s energetic and dynamic musicianship. Mika presented two encores including the World Premiere of La Storia Della Squolo Della Mia Vita by Veli Kujala and his own arrangement of the well known Nuoruusmuistoja by Lasse Pihlajamaa. Coinciding with the concert was the release of Mika's latest CD showcasing the complete solo accordion works of Jouni Kaipainen. Following the concert, invited guests joined Mika in a reception and dinner. Surrounded by his friends, the composers and other dignitaries such as the Finnish General Pasi Välimäki and former winner of Karajan competition Maestro Okko Kamu, Mika was presented the CIA Merit Award by CIA officials Kevin Friedrich (Ambassador-USA), Herbert Scheibenreif (Vice President-Austria) and Kimmo Mattila (General Secretary-Finland). The CIA Merit Award acknowledges Mika's career as one of the foremost accordionists of today performing as a soloist, chamber musician and with Symphony Orchestra, his work as a recording artist, his role as an educator at the highest Academic levels such as his work at the Sibelius Academy and global Master Classes, and his work inspiring some of the world's leading composers to write for the accordion. Video recordings and an archived radio broadcast of the concert will be available soon. Meanwhile, for more information please visit www.accordions.com/mika. Picture below: Mika receiving the CIA Merit Award from Kevin Friedrich and Herbert Scheibenreif. |
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