Estimated duration
2 h 30 min., incl. intermission
Organizer
Timo Ahopelto, KYN ja KYL
The poems of Startup Finland, interpreted by KYN and KYL, the choirs of Aalto University's business students. Creative force, sisu, and choral song.
In the beginning there was only the bog and the hoe. Then came the war, the reparations, and finally Nokia: the crown of Finnish sisu and engineering skill. When Nokia’s burning raft was extinguished, Finland froze for years into the ice of zero growth.
But in the background, Slush’s smiths were already at the forge.
Now we stand once again at the threshold of a new era. Startups and the new golden age of growth they carry with them are raising their heads. Unfinished, but determined. The way new things are always born: first fumbling, then challenging, and finally changing the world.
The High Song is a concert for Finnish perseverance. For the ability to rise even when struck to the ground, and to lift an entire nation back to its feet.
The poems, born in Timo Ahopelto’s Startup-ministeriö podcast and to be published as a collection this autumn, speak of entrepreneurship in a way it is rarely spoken of and as part of the Finnish story of civilisation.
Taking the stage at the Helsinki Music Centre are two student choirs from Aalto University’s business students, KYL and KYN, lending the poems the thundering power they deserve. The Music Centre’s Concert Hall organ will be played by Aleksanteri Wallius.
The High Song is not a concert only for the startup world or for lovers of choral music. It is an evening for everyone who wants to take part in writing the next chapter of the Finnish growth story and to give it their own voice.
The evening opens with a live recording of the Startup-ministeriö podcast, with philosopher Esa Saarinen as guest.
The artistic direction and compositions of the concert are entrusted to composers and arrangers to be announced later. The choirs performing at the concert are led by Kaija Viitasalo-Tulkki (KYN) and Visa Yrjölä (KYL).
Program
Startup-ministeriö Live Podcast
Guest: philosopher Esa Saarinen. Topic: the new rise of the new Startup Finland
KYN and KYL startup concert, with an interval
Closes with Finlandia performed on the Concert Hall organ
The celebration continues in the foyer at 21:00
Tickets to Musiikkitalo concerts and other events are available to purchase on our website, by telephone and at our physical box office.
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).
How about a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or a glass of bubbly during the interval? Order your drinks in advance to beat the queues and make the most of your concert visit. Interval refreshments are not available at all concerts.
Our location could not be more central or easier to get to. Almost all forms of Helsinki public transport stop right outside our doors, cycle parking is provided at all our entrances, and Aimo Park Finlandia, our nearest multi-storey car park, offers lift access directly to our main foyer.
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
The route to your seat is always printed on your ticket. Check the door number to find out which entrance to take. The seating areas are marked with letters. There is level access to all wheelchair seats from the main entrances. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff are always on hand to help you find your seat.
Black Box, Camerata and Sonore
Use the row number printed on your ticket to find your seat. Wheelchair seats are situated on the same level as the entrance. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff area always on hand to help you find your seat.
Unallocated seating
Please choose your seat on the day.
Floor plans
You can view our floor plans before your visit.
Cloakroom
We ask you to leave your coat and any larger items in the cloakroom. The cloakroom is free of charge.
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.
