Concert: Vocal ensemble Luminatum

Luminatum, an eight-member vocal ensemble, will give a spring concert on 13 May in the National Library of Finland’s Cupola Hall. The year 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of composer Erkki Melartin. At the National Library, Melartin’s life’s work and legacy will be highlighted throughout the year, with events such as an exhibition that opened in February and the spring concert by Luminatum.

The event is what is known as a lecture-concert, which means that background information is provided for each piece. These introductions are given by the ensemble’s director Sakari Ylivuori, DMus, who can be described as a tireless cultural and academic pioneer. Ylivuori has worked as a teacher at, among other institutions, the Sibelius Academy and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. He is also an award-winning choral director, author and researcher in the Jean Sibelius Works publishing project.

The programme of Luminatum’s spring concert focuses on Melartin’s output held in the collections of the National Library. The concert lasts roughly an hour, during which pieces are also presented from Melartin’s pupils and colleagues Heidi Sundblad-Halme, Greta Dahlström, Helvi Leiviskä, Alice Tegnér, Väinö Raitio and Aarre Merikanto.

Entry to the concert is free of charge. The venue can accommodate 100 attendees. The doors open at 18.15.