“Rakas joulu” concert will take place in the Church of the Holy Cross on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
In the concert, baritone Aarne Pelkonen leads his audience into the atmospheres of his childhood Christmases and the most beautiful memories. The concert will feature the loveliest Finnish Christmas songs, foreign classics, and entirely new melodies. Also included is Aarne’s own composition, “Talvilaulu”. Join us on a journey from the manger to the starry skies of the North and back.
“In my childhood Christmases, the traditions were crucial: the proclamation of Christmas peace, Christmas foods, smoke sauna, games, and play, and of course, music. Christmas songs were accompanied by an old harmonium or whistles built by my father. Still, when I close my eyes, I can capture something from my childhood Christmases, its joy and its peace. All of it made such a profound impression on me that Christmas remains very dear to me.” – Aarne Pelkonen
Opera singer Aarne Pelkonen has also become familiar to many Finns through his Christmas music. This Christmas, Aarne releases his second Christmas album, “Rakas joulu,” together with the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. On the “Rakas joulu” tour, the album’s repertoire is heard accompanied by Aarne and a skilled instrumental ensemble.
Aarne Pelkonen, baritone
Miika Vintturi, piano
Anssi Salminen, guitar, violin, and mandolin
Ville Herrala, double bass
The concert duration is approximately 60 minutes. No intermission.