Sointi Jazz Orchestra’s acclaimed crowd-puller Star Boys' Singing Procession will return to stages again this Christmas. Written by conductor Rasmus Soini and drummer Siiri Partanen and seeing the 17-piece big band joined by four singers, the beloved new take on the classic Christmas play will now be staged for the third consecutive Christmas. In addition to Helsinki and Espoo, the group will be taking Star Boys for the first time outside the metropolitan area, to Porvoo. In the concerts of Helsinki and Porvoo, the big band will also be playing a set of best-loved Christmas carols – but, as one might expect, with a new, surprising twist.
The past two years have seen Sointi Jazz Orchestra perform their big band version of the Star Boys in Helsinki and Espoo. This year, first in the pipeline will be the yet-unconquered city of Porvoo, where the 2010s Star Boys will land on 30 November. Next up, on 7 December, will be the Louhisali of Espoo Cultural Centre, and the grand finale will take place on 8 December at Savoy Theatre, Helsinki. As the last concert will coincide with the birthday of Jean Sibelius – which is also observed as the Day of Finnish music – there will be three reasons to celebrate. Like in previous years, singers Kalle Ruusukallio, Lauri Mikkola, Juuso Waris and Minna Tuuliainen will be fronting the big band in the leading roles.
This concert departs from the classic Christmas canon in many ways. According to conductor Soini, Star Boys is not solely a jazz arrangement; rather, jazz is one element among several genres ranging from classical to folk music. Soini and Partanen’s version stretches the classic Christmas play from its original 15-minute duration to a 50-minute concert, but the story, the events and the lyrics remain untouched. The range of atmospheres varies from upbeat swing to brooding solemnity and everything in between, and preludes, interludes and improvised solos add drama and coherence to the new version.
The woman behind the challenging idea of reshaping a 200-year musical tradition was drummer Partanen. “I was never a huge fan of the traditional Star Boys, which may be why I wanted to do something new with it”, Soini says. ”Star Boys is a strong brand; it’s always there at Christmas but nobody has ever dared to put a creative finger on it. Our version has jestingly been dubbed the 21st century Snowman – this version will stand the test of time!”
A rare phenomenon in the Finnish music scene, Sointi Jazz Orchestra brought out their debut, Syntymä, last spring. They were recently selected as the first big band to go on a Finnish Jazz Federation co-produced tour. In addition to their original repertory, the group has become known for many collaboration projects and special commissions, including the new version of the traditional hymn "Hosanna" with Jukka Perko and a special piece “Saarnaaja” dedicated by Soini for the legendary Finnish saxophonist Juhani “Junnu” Aaltonen. They have also collaborated with the Helsinki Student Theatre on a multi-medial piece Juhlat. Critics have widely praised the freshness and subtle, surprising new elements that are present in Soini’s compositions and arrangements.
SOINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA: STAR BOYS’ SINGING PROCESSION
Wed 30 Nov 2016 at 19 Kulttuuritalo Grand, Porvoo
Tickets starting at 12 €
Duration: 1 h 50 min (incl. interval)
Wed 7 Dec 2016 at 13.00 Louhisali, Espoo Cultural Centre, Espoo
Tickets starting at 15 €
Duration: 50 min
Thu 8 Dec 2016 at 19.00 Savoy Theatre, Helsinki
Tickets starting at 16,50 €
Duration: 1 h 50 min (incl. interval)
Tickets: http://www.lippu.fi
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