This is a piece I wrote for the Circus Maximus’ “Finntown Rediscovered”:
“This day-long event offers an in-depth exploration into all facets of Finnish identity. From mushrooms to melancholy, death metal to death rituals, Finntown Rediscovered features an investigation into the geographical and psychological distances between Finnish and American culture. Participants unearth Finland’s past incursions on American soil and juxtapose past glory with modern day anonymity. Experts will introduce the results of current archeological research at the former site of New York’s Finntown (now Sunset Park, Brooklyn)—a decades-long project that has brought together top Finnish and American researchers in the fields of art, anthropology, archeology and psycho-geography. The symposium winds down with a full-blown, over-grown panel discussion and concludes with a raucous performance by Finnish-American metal music group, Läski Rascals.”.
It uses sounds of nature, Sibelius’ hymn “Finlandia”, and some other Finnish music to form a collage.
Shredding the soprano.
A video clip from a recent concert at BGSU.
