Sillanpää in Myllykolu summer theatre in Hämeenkyrö, the 29th of July, 2017

SILLANPÄÄ

 

Sillanpää opera, composed by Seppo Pohjola, is performed at least this summer in the original surroundings in Myllykolu summer theatre in Hämeenkyrö. The initiator of the opera is opera singer Valtteri Torikka, who also sings the role of the young Sillanpää. First I must say that the fact that the opera is performed in Myllykolu surrounded by beautiful Hämeenkyrö nature, makes it a special experience. Also the house where Sillanpää was born is just next to the summer theatre (nowadays a museum). To all you who do not know, Frans Emil Sillanpää is the only Finnish author ever to have received the Nobel price of literature.

The opera begins when old Sillanpää is in an asylum suffering from delirium tremens and he starts to reminisce his past: his childhood, writings and marriage. Different periods of time vary from moment to moment and especially in the end of the opera young and old Sillanpää even sing together. The music of the opera is rather modern, but it is not extremely difficult, so that I can recommend it even to those who are not very experienced opera visitors.

The most impressive work of the soloists is in my opinion done by Sauli Tiilikainen, who sings the role of the old Sillanpää. His voice is in superb shape and his acting is also striking. I am not saying that Waltteri Torikka as young Sillanpää did not succeed, but he was left a wee bit in the shadow of Tiilikainen. Helena Juntunen as Sillanpää’s wife Siikri also performed beautifully. In addition to soloist there was an opera choir, whose versatility made an impression. When they, in the end of the first act, rush towards the audience with eyes full of hatred in their passionate civil war eagerness, I believe a lot of people in the audience had goose bumps. Great work!

The director of the opera was Marco Bjurström and I must say that Finland has now found a new great opera director. His experience in directing musicals was visible – in a positive way – and I am looking forward to his next opera production. I definitely hope this will not be his first and last opera.

 

House where Sillanpaa was born and the theatre

 

The stage

The performers