Giitu – Kiitos – Sámi identity in Helsinki: opening concert of the Yhteinen kylä exhibition

Northern joik tradition meets the urban present in a unique concert evening at Savoy

The highlight of the evening will be the premiere of the performance Giitu – Kiitos (Thank you), in which the joik tradition represented by Sámi Artist Ulla Pirttijärvi will intertwine with the singing of the Helsinki-based Ilma Vocal Ensemble. Frode Fjellheim composed the work based on Pirttijärvi’s joiks, and the premiere will be conducted by Jennifer Moir. Also taking to the stage is Pirttijärvi’s Norwegian ensemble Aššu.

The concert will serve as an emotional kick-off to the extensive Yhteinen kylä (Common village) exhibition opening at Helsinki City Museum the same day. The exhibition examines the Sámi identity in an urban context and the history, rights and current position of the Sámi community in Finnish society.

At the heart of the concert is a new commissioned work that combines the North Sámi joik tradition, contemporary choir music and Nordic artistic dialogue. The work is based on the musical expression and tradition of Sámi Artist Ulla Pirttijärvi and composed and arranged by Norwegian Composer Frode Fjellheim for the Helsinki-based Ilma Vocal Ensemble.

The concert brings together artists from Finland, Norway and Sápmi to build a space for genuine Nordic cooperation. Ulla Pirttijärvi represents the Finnish North Sámi culture of Utsjoki, while Frode Fjellheim represents the Norwegian Sámi tradition, and Ilma Vocal Ensemble is a highly skilled choir based in Helsinki.

Giitu – Kiitos.

Age rating: suitable for all ages.

Duration: 90 min.

In collaboration with the Savoy Theatre and Helsinki City Museum.