Concert Celebrates Centenary of Finland’s Independence - Feb 5th, 2017 in Toronto

One of about 3,000 such projects worldwide...

Toronto: On February 5th, 2017, the spotlight will be on the George Weston Recital Hall in Toronto as Finland100Toronto hosts Sounds of Finland, a concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence.

Sounds of Finland will showcase the diversity of Finnish music, from the earliest chants of village bards, to folk and popular music, and the music of great Finnish masters like Sibelius and Kuula. There will be haunting music played on the ancient Finnish harp, the kantele, rollicking music played by a typical town dance band, and gorgeous choral music sung by a choir specially formed for this concert.

The featured artist will be Carla Huhtanen, Sudbury-born, internationally renowned soprano. Critics have raved about her “soaring, translucent voice” and “winning stage presence”. Other performers include top soloists, choristers and instrumentalists from the Finnish- Canadian community.

Finland gained its independence from Russia in 1917. Finland100Toronto is a volunteer run non- profit organization and an official partner in Suomi Finland 100, a worldwide network celebrating a century of Finland’s independence. So far, about 3,000 projects, some of which include multiple events, are being organized in 70 countries around the world during 2017.

Finland is a dynamic, modern nation known for its distinctive architecture and design, gifted hockey players, outstanding education system, and health-giving saunas. Finns began arriving in Canada in the 1880’s and, after coping with the challenges all immigrants face, have now been fully integrated into Canadian life.

Lauri Asikainen, chair of the Finland 100 Toronto steering committee said, “We welcome people of all backgrounds to join us in celebrating 100 years of Finnish independence, in learning about Finnish culture and exploring Finland’s contributions to the Canadian mosaic,”

Concert tickets are $30, available by calling the Sounds of Finland hotline at 416-806-5509, or the Toronto Centre for the Arts box office at 416-250- 3708. For more information, please visit the web site at www.finland100toronto.com or their Facebook at www.facebook.com/finland100toronto.com.