It was another warm September afternoon in that most beautiful of parks. We entertained the gathered folks from San Diego and elsewhere – there was a couple from Germany – as we do each year to celebrate and remember our native country’s music. Balboa Park turned 100, the House of pacific Relations turned 80 and our own House of Finland turned 75.
Most magnificently 2015 is the 150th anniversary of our dear classical composer Jean Sibelius. President Heikki Gronlund mentioned he is not the author of our national anthem, which remains as Maamme, or Our Land. His composition, known around the world, is Finlandia of course. A later festival at the Poway Lutheran Church featured his music and a local choir.
The little cottage was open and all our Board members turned out to offer traditional tastes of Finland – pulla, Karelian pastries and juices. If you don’t know what Karelian pastries are ask any Finn. Of course you can get the Finnish cook book on offer at the upcoming International Christmas Festival.
The entertainers were great. Terhi Miikki came all the way from Finland to serenade us with her beautiful voice and the accordion. The girls followed to show the next generation of Finnish performers for our stage and maybe others… Vilmiina Nupponen sang our National Anthem, Maamme. Aada Heikkila played clarinet and her sister Neida played violin.
Most magnificently 2015 is the 150th anniversary of our dear classical composer Jean Sibelius. President Heikki Gronlund mentioned he is not the author of our national anthem, which remains as Maamme, or Our Land. His composition, known around the world, is Finlandia of course. A later festival at the Poway Lutheran Church featured his music and a local choir.
The little cottage was open and all our Board members turned out to offer traditional tastes of Finland – pulla, Karelian pastries and juices. If you don’t know what Karelian pastries are ask any Finn. Of course you can get the Finnish cook book on offer at the upcoming International Christmas Festival.
The entertainers were great. Terhi Miikki came all the way from Finland to serenade us with her beautiful voice and the accordion. The girls followed to show the next generation of Finnish performers for our stage and maybe others… Vilmiina Nupponen sang our National Anthem, Maamme. Aada Heikkila played clarinet and her sister Neida played violin.
