Description
At the beginning there was only swamp and a hoe. Then came war, reparations and finally Nokia: the crown of Finnish grit and engineering skill. When Nokia’s burning ship went out, Finland froze for years in the ice of zero growth. But in the background the forges of Slush were already hammering. Now we stand again on the threshold of a new era. Start‑ups and the new golden age of growth they usher in are raising their heads. Incomplete, but determined. Just as new things always arise: first trembling, then challenging, and finally changing the world. High Song is a concert for Finnish perseverance. The ability to rise to the arena even when struck and to lift the whole nation back onto its feet. Poems created in Timo Ahopello’s Startup‑Ministry podcast and to be published as a collection in the autumn tell of entrepreneurship as it is rarely spoken about and as part of the Finnish enlightenment narrative. On the stage of Helsinki Music Centre two choirs of Aalto University School of Business students, KYL and KYN, will give the poems the thunderous power they deserve. The organ of the Music Centre’s Concert Hall, played by Aleksanteri Wallius, will also be heard. High Song is not only a concert for the startup world or choir‑music lovers. It is an evening for everyone who wants to take part in writing the next chapter of Finland’s growth story and give it its own voice. The evening begins with the Startup‑Ministry live podcast, featuring philosopher Esa Saarinen. The artistic direction and compositions of the concert will be handled by composers and arrangers to be announced later. The choirs are conducted by music advisor Kaija Viitasalo (KYN) and Visa Yrjölä (KYL). Program: Startup‑Ministry Live Podcast – Guest philosopher Esa Saarinen, topic the new rise of startup Finland; KYN and KYL startup concert including intermission; concludes with Finland played on the Concert Hall’s organ; celebrations continue in the lobby at 21:00. Websites: www.kyn.fi, www.kyl.fi, www.aleksanteriwallius.com