Arts and Recreation in Northern Ontario
Pelimanni Finnish Orchestra, Thunder Bay Ontario
The Pelimanni Orchestra, a member of the Thunder Bay Regional Arts Council, celebrates it's 20th Anniversary in 2006!
The Pelimanni Orchestra started as a group of 13 musicians in 1986 and now boasts over 20 members. They are a non-profit corporation that works to educate and increase public understanding and appreciation of Finnish and Canadian folk music, culture, and traditions. They provide performances in public places, senior citizens homes, churches, community centres, educational institutions, and at festivals and workshops in the Thunder Bay region, and around the world.
Pelimanni is a unique orchestra. In addition to rich vocals, they've added instruments such as trumpets, saxophones, and flutes to the traditional accordions, violins, and clarinets. Their music has been called "snappy", "vibrant", and "haunting". I find their music evokes the sights and sounds of Europe, a taste of history and timeless grace. It can sweep you into a nostalgic sense of remembering your roots, or make you want to get up and dance. It just makes me feel good, and am looking forward to the release of their first CD.
All are invited to listen, free of charge, to the lively and soulful music presented by the Orchestra at the following events...
- The Finlandia Club on Bay Street to celebrate the summer solstice at the annual Katutapahtuma.
- The Marina Park, each summer as part of the Glory Fest.
- Annual Thunder Music Festival Adjudication in April.
- Midsummer Art Show in the Finlandia Hall in June.
- Concerts in high schools to augment their multicultural programs.
See their list of events for Spring and Summer 2005...
Pelimanni Events
