Compañía Kaari & Roni Martin is an award-winning artistic ensemble based in Helsinki whose roots are in the crossroads of flamenco and contemporary art.

The company combines freely different musical traditions and styles and its members are from many countries and cultures. Drawing on these elements the company creates original and expressive multidisciplinary stage works that resonate internationally.

Goes Roots is based on the performance Letters from an Island, which highlighted minorities excluded from the Finland brand both historically and today. The performance was made in 2020 at the Seurasaari Open Air Museum and in 2023 at Olavinlinna, whose historical milieu served as the setting for the performance. From the ashes of Letters from an Island, goes ROOTS was born.

In the performance Iraqi Ali Saad brings traditional Arabic music, Roni Martin his family’s Jewish musical tradition and choreographer Kaari Martin flamenco dance and rhythm. Violinist Sanna Salmenkallio creates a unique soundscape in addition to classical and Arabic styles, using an electric violin in addition to the classical violin.On stage you will hear at least Finnish, Arabic, Hebrew and Ladino.

On Friday 27th Compañía Kaari & Roni Martinin goes ROOTS will be performed in honour of Caisa´s 30th anniversary celebration as an extended version and a larger group of guest artists from the group´s ensemble will be seen on stage.

Workgroup:
Sanna Salmenkallio – violin, voc.
Roni Martin – piano, gitar, voc.
Kaari Martin – dance, voc.
Ali Saad – vocals
Esa Helle – sound design

Duration 1 h 30 min + pause