Day 5 - Sightseeing in Jyvaskyla

June 29, 2019 | EnsTour Blogger

This morning, the singers were able to sleep in a bit and spend much of the day exploring Jyvaskyla with their wonderful host families. Roxy, Gulzar, Olivia, and Nika learned more about the area at the Natural History Museum of Central Finland. Abby and Anne visited the ski jump tower to get a view of Jyvaskyla and the surrounding area. Many others ventured downtown to pick up souvenirs or to eat at local favorites.

Ensemble and their hosts gathered at Taulumaki Church for a quick rehearsal of "Crossings" with Eric Tuan, who arrived safely in Finland from Ecco's tour late Thursday evening. This beautiful church was constructed in 1929 and is often called the Church of Angels, and the singers really sounded angelic in the space.

Vox Aurea opened the concert with a song about the tumultuous relationship between Finland and Sweden - starting out as friends, then arguing and dividing, and finally coming back together. Their dynamic performance was much appreciated by Ensemble, who cheered from the back pews before joining them in the sanctuary for the massed pieces. The energy of "Crossings" was very special, with composer Eric conducting one part along with the conductors of Vox Aurea and Ensemble, all while being professionally documented. The claps and stomps were particularly vigorous, marking the complete synchronicity of the two groups.

It was a special delight to have two former conductors of Vox Aurea in the audience: Kari Ala-Pollanen and Pekka Kostiainen, two living legends of the Finnish choral tradition. They especially appreciated Ensemble's performances of "Last Ditch Fight of the Wish" by Mark Wingers and two pieces by our very own Sue Bohlin, "In Anchor Bay" and "Eloise and her Flying Car." The end of Ensemble's varied set was met with rapturous applause. At the end of the concert, the singers departed from the church for one last night with their homestays.