Christmas oratorio
performances in Pori on Friday,
December 21st and in Tampere on Saturday, December 22nd, 2008.
More info
Pirkanpojat
The boys’ choir
”Pirkanpojat” is among the top choirs of Finnish singers. In their
singing, classical musical tradition and crystal clear talent are mixed in
a way that has given them a reputation that goes far beyond local fame and
recognition.
THE VOICE
OF AN ANGEL
The pure boy soprano is a
unique instrument, which has rightly been described as the voice of an
angel. It rings crystal clear without vibrato, having a deep impact on the
listener.
But in time small angels
grow up to become big men, and their voices change. This continuous change
makes the training and sound control of a boys’ choir a challenging task.
PASSION
Musically ”Pirkanpojat”
aim to be at the top. In order to maintain quality we do basic educational
training, nurture the unique sound of the choir and build our programme
following the highest artistic aspirations.
MISSION
Prima parte
The key to all activities
is the child and the musicality, which we believe can be found in
everyone. The main aim of the boys’ choir ”Pirkanpojat” is to bring forth
the boys’ musical awareness, their understanding and love for music and to
offer them a way of developing their musical talent.
Parte secundo
We are also an
educational body, with a civic duty. We emphasize caring for others,
responsibility and doing one’s best for the common good. Good behaviour is
appreciated and we know that we are ambassadors for our region and our
sponsors.
THE BOYS
The choir gives the
singers a classic musical education based on singing. At the ages of 6 – 9
the boys enter the Perita choir from which they move after auditioning to
Concentus and the A-Choir. They begin as sopranos or altos and later they
join the male voices. Teaching score reading and voice training run
parallel with choir work. Social skills are formed by togetherness in
training camps and on concert trips in Finland and abroad.
REPERTOIRE
The repertoire consists
mainly of the great works of church music, among them the St. John Passion
and the Christmas Oratorio by J.S. Bach and Mozart’s Requiem. Parallel
with the church music we sing other beautiful music such as patriotic
pieces, opera, and folk music. The choir performs 20 – 30 times a year in Tampere and the neighbouring areas.
It participates in church
services in its hometown parish and is available for various smaller
gatherings. The choir also works together with the Tampere Opera and
Tampere Philharmonia.
HISTORY
The Baroque era was the
golden age for boys’ choirs during which the most central works of
Protestant church music were created. The new era for Finnish boys’ choirs
began in 1952 when “Cantores Minores” was founded. ”Pirkanpojat” was
established in 1970.
Choirmasters for
”Pirkanpojat” have been Jarmo Kokkonen, Martti Kivivuori, Hannu-Heikki
Hakulinen, Markku Ylipää and Olli-Taavetti Kankkunen. Their present
choirmaster Master of Music Jussi Kauranen began as a soprano singer in
the choir in 1979 and became their Artistic Director in 1995. Since the
autumn of 1999 ”Pirkanpojat” has been his main occupation.
ECONOMY
The economy of the choir
is based on the activity of interest groups, donations and grants. We
receive funds from, among others, the city of Tampere and the Lutheran
congregations. The voluntary work of the boys’ parents plays a vital part
in the entire operation. We are also grateful for the support of the
audiences, their interest in our concerts and their donations.
