From Storm Island to the Arctic Circle

From Storm Island to the Arctic Circle invites you to an unforgettable journey through Finnish film music, where familiar melodies and hidden stories come alive under the lights of the Music Hall. The evening’s program—spanning romance, the haunting ballad “Tin Shoe Girl,” the energetic “Restless,” a tender ballad from the film *Klaani*, the stirring “Maija” from *Myrskyluoto*, and the soaring “Dreams Fall” from *Bahat pojat*—will see the large symphonic ensemble of the Vantaa Entertainment Orchestra transform classics, power songs, post‑punk riffs, and heartfelt ballads into a tapestry of sound that bridges decades, narratives, and moods. Narrative interludes between the performances add depth, offering stories and insights you won’t find anywhere else. This is the perfect chance to gather with friends and family—and even the grandparents—since each song sparks shared memories and emotional resonance. The night’s soloists, the talented actress‑singer Oona Airola and the celebrated musical star Mikael Saari, will elevate every piece. Airola, a dual Juss‑award winner whose roles include Maarit Hurmerinta in the 2024 Yleisradio audio drama series and Kaija Koota in the 2026 film *Kaunis, rietas, tähtää*, has delighted audiences with her performances in the popular Kaj Chydenius concerts. Saari, known for his work with the Finnish Music Theatre’s *Show Must Go On!* and Turku City Theatre’s *Once*, has twice featured in UMK and released his own solo album. The concert concept, a collaboration between musician, producer, and conductor Ako Kiiski and Oona Airola, is complemented by arrangements from Kiiski and Rolf Gustavson. Kim Kiiski’s long partnership with the Vantaa Entertainment Orchestra—originating with *SuomiLove* in 2015—brings a wealth of experience and skill, ensuring seamless, emotionally charged performances that invite listeners to sing along. Experience the excitement of a concert that combines cinematic storytelling, stellar musicianship, and communal joy—an evening that promises to be grand, fun, and deeply moving.