SZENE
Salzburg

 
The tango fever has captivated not only Argentinians but also Finns—for over 100 years. To this day, the nation indulges its passion with competitions and major events attended by hundreds of thousands. However, in the land of the polar night and the midnight sun, tango has a more melancholic nature, often referred to as "the blues of the Finns." While its character is passionate, emotions are kept under control. Longing, utopia, and loss are expressed in this unique musical form.

Soprano Helena Juntunen is equally at home in opera, lieder, and other genres. She has already introduced a large audience to Finnish tango at the BBC Proms in London. Joining her are versatile musicians Niko Kumpuvaara (accordion) and Marzi Nyman (guitar and piano), along with an ensemble of members from the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The program spans a broad spectrum, from Finnish tango classics to paraphrases and parodies, blending tradition with modernity and crossing genre boundaries.

Soprano HELENA JUNTUNEN
Accordion NIKO KUMPUVAARA
Guitar & Piano MARZI NYMAN
Members of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Music by TOIVO KÄRKI, UNTO MONONEN, JEAN SIBELIUS, PEKKA POHJOLA, JUKKA TIENSUU