Sergei Rahmaninov: Vigilia

On the first picture is Cassiopeia. Choirs from Oulu region works together to perform Rachmaninov’s Vigilia with over 120 choir singers. Vigilia is one of the most significant choral work of Russian romanticism and is considered one of Rachmaninov’s main works. Vigilia is composed for the choir a cappella together with tenor and altto soloist and the work is based on traditional Orthodox church melodies. Rachmaninov uses the dynamic possibilities of the choir as a whole in his work and uses a lot of alternating and contrasting male and female choirs to create a rich voice by doubling of choral art. The concert will be conducted by Kristian Heberg.

 

Cassiopeia is an ambitious mixed choir from the University of Oulu, whose diverse repertoire and traditions have led listeners to concerts for decades. Cassiopeia produces several concerts every year of its own in collaboration with different choirs and orchestras, and has made six recordings in its history. The Oulu Chamber Choir was founded in 1960 and has been led over the years by all the most prominent Oulu choir professionals. Cassiopeia performs annually in a unique Independence Day eve concert with famous soloists beside its own concerts and collaborations with other choirs and orchestras. Tuira Chamber Choir specializes in traditional chamber choir literature in operas and orchestral works. The choir was founded in 1969 and has been led by Risto Laitinen since 1998.