Finland is alive with the sound of music, and with quite a variety of music to boot: opera, classical, rock, folk, jazz … you name it, Finland’s jamming out to it this week during its biannual Sibafest. It is an incredible event in Finland, showcasing not only some of its most talented citizens but also celebrating their vibrant and lively culture. The nine-day festival is a mosaic of different musical and cultural affairs, combining 50 to 60 events that reveal the creative side of Finland’s culture.
The festival is comprised of approximately 500 performers, many from the elite Sibelius Academy, the music school that upholds the responsibility to “provide the highest level of music education in Finland.” Sibafest showcases the Academy’s crème de la crème of students, teachers, alumni and other performers in a hodgepodge of concerts, plays, lectures, and various other events. Alongside the students and alumni are a few of the most talented musicians and artists from across the world.
Sibafest commenced on January 27th with Entrance Music event in the Sibelius Academy’s Concert Hall. Throughout this week, a variety of eccentric and moving pieces and productions will be performed including humming accordions, sweet sounds of violins, adapted J.S Bach compositions, and tango ballads by one of the best Argentinean singers, Martin Alvarado. The festival includes a Family Day, offering workshops and events for both young and old. Opera and plays will be featured as well throughout the week, starring some of the academy’s prominent acting students and alumni.
The festival concludes with the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, February 4th, with a co-production of the Orchestra and the Jazz Departments of the Sibelius Academy in addition to violinist Anssi Koskela and American saxophonist Dave Liebman. Receiver of an NEA Jazz Masters lifetime achievement award, the distinguished saxophonist is considered a “renaissance man in contemporary music”. This final hurrah of the festival will conclude Sibafest, but many will anticipate its return in two years time.
Ever since the first Sibafest in 2006, attendance has continued to rise. Attendance exploded in 2010 with an audience of over 8,000. With such stellar talents and intriguing shows and performances to see, be sure to keep the Sibafest in mind come 2014; the noteworthy musical compositions combined with a diverse selection of native artistry will undoubtedly enrich your future Finland trip.