Aniara in Alminsali, the 21st of September, 2019

When the Finnish National Opera informed that Klockriketeatern and The Crossing choir will be visiting Alminsali in the autumn 2019, I tried to read the presentation of the performance “Aniara” and understand what it was all about. Based on the text I couldn’t quite place the performance in any context and I was a bit confused. I ended up buying a ticket anyway, despite the question marks in my mind.

And it was a good thing that I did, since despite its peculiarities, the evening was memorable. Alminsali itself had been changed for the performance. The normal seats were not in use, but the audience sat on seats on the sides of the scene. This meant that part of the time the performers had their backs toward either half of the audience, but on the other hand, the performers were literally close to the spectators.

“Aniara” is happening in the future, when space travel is normal. Aniara – a spaceship – is on its way to Mars when it is hit by an asteroid and its course is changed without return. The passengers try to adapt to the eternal trip in the endless space in their own way, but final destruction is close.

The music of “Aniara” is composed by Robert Maggio and libretto is by Dan Henriksson and it is based on Harry Martinsons work from 1956. The performance was not exactly easy to understand. Without the programme leaflet I probably would not have grasped a lot of it. With its help it was possible to understand at least the main story line. The performance was in two languages; most of the text was performed both in English and in Swedish, but understanding the text did not yet mean that you understood what was going on. The atmosphere on stage was a bit dreamlike, mysterious.

However, the music of the evening was a bull’s eye. I liked Robert Maggio’s music and Aniara Band Finland was playing it well. The greatest impression, however, was made by the American choir - The Crossing. I have heard lots of choirs in my life time, but you don’t often meet this level of group. Incredibly professional singers, who could all sings their own tunes in harmony. I could have listened to them for eternity; their singing was pure ear candy. I hope this will not be their only visit to Finland.

In addition to the choir, Antti Silvennoinen in the role of Miima, was stellar. He is the artistic director of Wusheng Company and he had made the choreography (based on Peking opera traditions) for Miima. You can only say that his performance was enchanting.