Estimated duration
1 h 15 min.
Organizer
Taideyliopiston Sibelius-Akatemia
This time on Siba Talks, we get to know the folk musician Maija Kauhanen
The new Siba Talks series brings significant Sibelius Academy alumni to the stage to discuss their lives, careers, and share the music that matters to them. The interviewer is Keval Shah, lecturer at the Sibelius Academy, pianist, and presenter. The audience will also have the opportunity to ask questions to the guests. The interview will be conducted in English.
Artists
Maija Kauhanen
Maija Kauhanen, the folk musician, singer-songwriter, and kantele artist, who won the Nordic Council Music Prize in 2023, is the guest. Kauhanen is an explosive and versatile one-woman orchestra who has quickly built an impressive international career. At the heart of her art lies the Finnish-Karelian tradition, with its instruments, playing techniques, and vocal styles.
A central part of Kauhanen’s powerful interpretations are the stories and lyrics of the songs, often exploring the destinies of women of different ages. The lyrics touch on the challenges of relationships, domestic violence, and fears, but also bring moments of joy, comfort, and hope.
Maija Kauhanen’s debut album Raivopyörä (2017) received rave reviews, and her international career, which started with this album, has already reached over 30 countries. Raivopyörä won several prestigious art awards in Finland, including the Emma Award for Best Ethno Album.
On her latest album Menneet (2022), Kauhanen’s unique approach to holistic creation has grown even further. In live performances, traditional kantele and new performance techniques are accompanied by an astonishing array of percussion instruments, bells, and experimental soundscapes. This fusion of different eras, techniques, and styles creates a powerful and experimental one-woman band that captivates audiences everywhere.
Keval Shah
Keval Shah, a British-Indian pianist born in 1993, has won multiple international competitions and performed at some of Europe’s most renowned concert halls and festivals, including recordings for Deutsche Grammophon.
Known for his intellectual and creative artistic vision, Shah is a pioneer in concert planning and curation. He regularly commissions new music and creates artistic projects that combine different genres, cultures, and philosophies. His work is driven by an interest in intercultural and multicultural processes, and the artistic and societal opportunities they present.
In addition to his work at the Sibelius Academy, Keval regularly presents for the BBC, most recently in a documentary about Kaija Saariaho’s final projects.
Further information: Janne Ikäheimo, janne.ikaheimo@uniarts.fi
Changes are possible.
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Book tickets for 10–20 or more people is by contacting group sales service by email at ryhmat@musiikkitalo.fi or by telephone on 0600 411 101 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–15:00).
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At Helsinki Music Centre we are proud to be an accessible and welcoming place for everyone. Tactile handrails and signage have been fitted across the building, and there are tactile indicator strips on the floor too to guide partially sighted and blind visitors. Induction loops are always available, and guide or companion dogs are of course permitted within the building.
Concert Hall
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Black Box, Camerata and Sonore
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Unallocated seating
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Floor plans
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Cloakroom
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Latecomers
Latecomers will be asked to wait until a suitable break in the performance or admitted after the interval.
Photography
You are not permitted to record concert performances at Helsinki Music Centre. However, you may take photographs before and after the concert and during applause. Individual concert organisers may have their own, more detail guidance regarding recording and photography.
Dress code
We’re happy to say we have no dress code at Helsinki Music Centre, and we positively encourage you to come as you are. However, we would be grateful if you could avoid wearing strong perfume during your visit so that people with asthma and fragrance sensitivity can enjoy our concerts symptom free.
