Bilingual singalong evening
What do Finnish evergreens sound like in their original language of Swedish?
On the eve of Svenska dagen (Finnish Swedish Heritage Day), we will sing and learn more about the original Swedish lyrics of popular domestic songs. These original lyrics are unfamiliar to most Finnish-speaking persons, and familiar songs give quite a different impression in the original language.
Many of our most familiar and important songs from the national anthem to Suvivirsi were originally written and composed in Swedish. Kesäpäivä Kangasalla and Sylvian joululaulu are some of our most beloved songs, but what did Topelius originally say in their lyrics? Sometimes, the message of the song may change a great deal in translation. How many Finns know that the song On neidolla punapaula actually ends in a gunfight? Sometimes, the translation is better than the original text, and the song lives on in Finnish. A good example of this is Kulkuri ja joutsen.
The bilingual singalong evening offers surprises and fun moments and a number of varied familiar songs. Museum Educator Anna Finnilä tells the tales of the songs in Finnish, and the event is accompanied by musician Sofia Finnilä.
Get into the atmosphere before the singalong at 5 p.m. in a Swedish tour in the Musiikkia! exhibition at the Hakasalmi Villa.
