Florida Finns celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius
(LAKE WORTH, Florida – October 15, 2015) – The Honorary Consulate of Finland and the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce at Lake Worth, FL will present a classical music concert at the Lake Worth Playhouse on November 7 at 7pm to honor the 150th Anniversary of the most famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
This concert hopes to bring awareness of Finnish music and culture to American audiences and thus develop further interest in bringing people together interested in various cultural, educational and business opportunities between Finland and the United States.
The two invited guests to perform the celebratory concert are violinist Petteri Iivonen and pianist Marja Kaisla, natives of Finland, residing in New York City and Philadelphia, respectively. Both musicians have established significant musical careers in the United States and around the world. Marja Kaisla and Petteri Iivonen recently performed at the American Embassy in Helsinki, Finland, as well.
Silver Medalist and Special Prize winner at the 10th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition in 2010 as well as the Bronze Medal Winner in the Seoul International Music Competition in Korea in 2015, violinist Petteri Iivonen has been hailed by Il Gazzettino as an artist with “flawless technique along with expressive interpretation.” Mr.Iivonen performs constantly on several continents both as an orchestral soloist and chamber musician.
Enjoying an extensive concert career on stage, TV, radio and major motion pictures, pianist Marja Kaisla has performed numerous concerts this year around the US to honor Jean Sibelius, and she also serves on the Finlandia Foundation National board and chairs the Sibelius Jubilee committee. “We are pleased that there are, by the latest count, at least 150 Sibelius concerts, programs, lectures and events in communities across the country,” says Kaisla. “Major orchestras perform Sibelius throughout the year, but also small organizations are producing events in different ways to honor the Finnish composer. For example, one group is staging an original play based on the life of Sibelius. We are also welcoming touring musicians from Finland. There are activities scheduled right up to and through Sibelius’s birth date of December 8.”
Finlandia Foundation National maintains a calendar of Sibelius 150 Jubilee events, updated periodically, at its website: www.FinlandiaFoundation.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Makila, Honorary Consul of Finland
Benita Reinikka, Honorary Consulate of Finland & Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Intern
finnishconsulate@bellsouth.net
(561)582-2335