Helsinki Male Choir Weekend 26-28 November 2021

VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition
Nordic-Baltic Male Choir Festival

UPDATES

7 October 2021: Participants of the Madetoja Competition published! Registration for the Helsinki Male Choir Weekend is still open until 26 October 2021!

27 August 2021: Announced the patron of the event, Nasima Razmyar – Deputy Mayor of Education in Helsinki!

8 July 2021: Accommodation offers by our cooperative hotels updated!

26 April 2021: Seven months to go! The registration for Helsinki Male Choir Weekend reopened!

17 March 2021: Venue update! The place for the opening concert, starred by the Polytech Choir, will be the beautiful Great Hall of the University of Helsinki! The Madetoja Competition will be held at the Concert Hall and Camerata Hall of the Helsinki Music Centre.

17 February 2021: Jury members announced!

27 January 2021: Revised rules for the competition published! The registration period for the competition extended until 30 September 2021.

More information: hmcw@mieskuoro.fi

FRIDAY 26 November 2021

 

The Polytech Choir with Saara Aittakumpu. Photo: Mikko Reinikainen

Reception of the City of Helsinki

Vanha Raatihuone (Aleksanterinkatu 20) at 5 pm

Max 2 representatives/choir, only with an invitation/registration

 

Opening concert: Unetar 

Great Hall of the University of Helsinki (Aleksanterinkatu 5 / Unioninkatu 34) at 7 pm

The Polytech Choir, dir. Saara Aittakumpu

Tickets for the audience via Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.fi/event/302771

EUR 28/22,50/17,50 (incl. service fee)

 

SATURDAY 27 November 2021

Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro and Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, dir. Anneli Julén in the Helsinki Music Centre in April 2013. Photo: Markku Pihlaja.

 

VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition

Helsinki Music Centre, Concert Hall and Camerata Hall (Mannerheimintie 13 A) from 9 am to 5 pm

(more details about the participants and information about the ticket sales to be published later)

Tickets for audience via Ticketmaster and Music Centre ticket sales: 

EUR 11,50 per hall (incl. service fee)
with a participant badge free entrance to the balcony of the concert hall as long as there are free seats 

 

Lunch

Helsinki Music Centre from 10.30 am to 3 pm

only when booked in advance

 

Informal performances and male choir seminar

Helsinki Music Centre, lobby area from 12 pm to 4.30 pm

Interesting interviews and keynotes
Short performances of participating choirs

Free entrance

Joint choir in Helsinki Music Centre in April 2013, dir. Juha Holma. Photo: Markku Pihlaja.

 

Gala concert

Helsinki Music Centre, Concert Hall at 7 pm

Jury’s selection from the competition and the prize ceremony

Joint choir performances with all participants

Edvard Grieg: Sangerhilsen (Sigvald Skavlan), dir. Sofia Söderberg
Peep Sarapik: Ta lendab mesipuu poole (Juhan Liiv), dir. Anneli Julén
Jean Sibelius: Finlandia-hymni (V. A. Koskenniemi), dir. Paavo Hyökki

Liiton Miehet, the elite choir of the Finnish Male Choir Association, dir. Paavo Hyökki

The elite choir of the Finnish Male Choir Association, Liiton Miehet (literally “The Men of the Union”) gave its first concert in summer 2017. There are currently 38 singers from all over Finland. This periodically rehearsing choir aims to offer a professional working environment for talented singers, however not affecting the activities of the singers’ other choirs. The choir was founded and is conducted by the artistic director of the Finnish Male Choir Association, Paavo Hyökki.

 The elite choir Liiton Miehet, dir. Paavo Hyökki. Photo: Essi Vakkila

 

Tickets for the audience from Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.fi/event/272967
EUR 80/39/23 (incl. service fee)

 

After party with supper

Helsinki Music Centre at 9.30 pm

only when booked in advance

 

SUNDAY 28 November 2021

Photo: My Helsinki / Jenna Pietikäinen

Matinee concert

Temppeliaukio Rock Church (Lutherinkatu 3)

Pärnu Lüdigi Meeskoor

free entrance

 

 

Registration for the VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition is closed!

Registration for the other activities of Helsinki Male Choir Weekend is open until 26 October 2021 via e-form: https://forms.gle/nTY3bFftfLSYJcgt6 

Participation packages for the weekend:
– Participation package Fri-Sat, EUR 99 per singer (includes opening concert Fri 26 November 2021, lunch, gala concert and after party Sat 27 November 2021, t-shirt and possibility for choir’s own performances)
– Participation package Sat, EUR 89 per singer (includes lunch, gala concert and after party Sat 27 November 2021, t-shirt and possibility for choir’s own performances)

Single reservations:
– Opening concert with the Polytech Choir Fri 26 November 2021, EUR 25
– Gala concert Sat 27 November 2021, EUR 35
  (VIP tickets EUR 75 + service fee and discount price for students EUR 20 + service fee only available via Ticketmaster)
– Lunch Sat 27 November 2021, EUR 12 (more details under tab “Meals”)
– After party Sat 27 November 2021, EUR 39 (more details under tab “Meals”)
– T-shirt, EUR 15

All Helsinki Male Choir Weekend participants will get a participation badge, and with the badge free entrance to follow the VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition from the balcony in the Concert Hall as long as there are free seats. Tickets to the stalls of the Concert Hall and Camerata Hall will be sold by Ticketmaster from October 2021.

Laulu-Miehet and Pohjan Laulu, dir. Matti Hyökki in Helsinki Music Centre in 2013. Photo: Markku Pihlaja

How to travel to Helsinki: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/meetings-and-events/accessibility-and-arrival

All event venues are within walking distance or easily accessible by public transport. Participating choirs are thus not required to have a bus of their own.

Accommodation offers in cooperation with Scandic Hotels

Accommodation can be booked with booking references below via Scandic Helsinki sales by phone +358 300870881 or by email sales.helsinki@scandichotels.com at latest on 12 November 2021. The prices are for Standard rooms including breakfast buffet.

Scandic Park
Mannerheimintie 46, 00260 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 47 371, e-mail: parkhelsinki@scandichotels.com
99 € single room / day
119 € twin or double room / day
139 € twin or double room with extra bed / day
Booking reference 47649603

Scandic Grand Marina
Katajanokanlaituri 7, 00160 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 16 661, e-mail: grandmarina@scandichotels.com
94 € single room / day
114 € twin or double room / day
134 € twin or double room with extra bed / day
Booking reference 47649611

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, 00100 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 68291700, e-mail: grandcentralhelsinki@scandichotels.com
119 € single room / day
139 € twin or double room / day
Booking reference 47701229

Scandic Meilahti
Tukholmankatu 2, 00250 Helsinki
Tel. +358 09 68999028, e-mail: meilahti@scandichotels.com
94 € single room / day
114 € twin or double room / day
Booking reference 47700661

For budget accommodation, please visit https://www.hostellit.fi/en/

Helsinki tourist information: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en

The meals are only available when booked in advance by 26 October 2021 at https://forms.gle/nTY3bFftfLSYJcgt6

Lunch EUR 12

Helsinki Music Centre Sat 27 November 2021 from 10.30 am to 3 pm

Salad bar
Two warm main courses (of which one vegetarian)
Selection of Music Centre’s breads, spreads

After party and supper EUR 39

Helsinki Music Centre Sat 27 November 2021 at 9.30 pm

Starters on sapas board:
Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
Grandma’s cucumbers
Cellery, apple and rucola
Roasted Finnish root vegetables
Hemp snacks

Green salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Selection of Music Centre’s breads with herb butter

***

Overripe pork cheek in beer sauce
Ratatouille with Halloumi
Parsnip-potato au gratin

Coffee and brewed tea

Participants

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

Akateeminen Mieskuoro Psaldo (Helsinki), dir. Matti Apajalahti
Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit (Seinäjoki), dir. Juha Holma
Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro, dir. Anneli Julén
Karjalan Laulu-Veikot (Lappeenranta), dir. Nadja Härkönen
Mieskuoro Alvar (Jyväskylä), dir. Niklas Taanila
Muntra Musikanter (Helsinki), dir. Riku Laurikka
Pohjan Laulu (Oulu), dir. Mihkel Koldits
Seim Ensemble (Helsinki), dir. Riku Miettunen
Tallinn University Male Choir, dir. Indrek Vijard
Valkia (Helsinki), dir. Saara Aittakumpu
Viipurin Lauluveikot (Helsinki), dir. Ilkka Aunu

NATIONAL SERIES

Espoon Mieslaulajat – ESMILA, dir. Helge Kõrvits
Joensuun Mieslaulajat, dir. Janne Piipponen
Keravan Mieslaulajat, dir. Teppo Salakka
Kokkolan Lauluveikot, dir. Mari Sillanpää
Lapuan Mieslaulajat, dir. Marika Ahonen
Mieskuoro Sirkat (Jyväskylä), dir. Kimmo Tuuri
Rauman Mieslaulajat, dir, Markku Haavisto
Runebergskören BSB, dir. Teppo Salakka

REVIEW SERIES

Finlandia-laulajat (Keski-Uusimaa), dir. Teppo Salakka
Hyvinkään Työväen Mieskuoro, dir. Anu Sepp
Porvoon Mieslaulajat, dir. Pekka Itkonen

Competition schedule

Saturday 27 November 2021

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

Helsinki Music Centre Concert Hall

9.30 Akateeminen Mieskuoro Psaldo (Helsinki), dir. Matti Apajalahti
9.45 Seim Ensemble (Helsinki), dir. Riku Miettunen
10.00 Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro, dir. Anneli Julén
10.15 Valkia (Helsinki), dir. Saara Aittakumpu

12.00 Pohjan Laulu (Oulu), dir. Mihkel Koldits
12.15 Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit (Seinäjoki), dir. Juha Holma
12.30 Muntra Musikanter (Helsinki), dir. Riku Laurikka
12.45 Karjalan Laulu-Veikot (Lappeenranta), dir. Nadja Härkönen

14.30 Viipurin Lauluveikot (Helsinki), dir. Ilkka Aunu
14.45 Tallinn University Male Choir, dir. Indrek Vijard
15.00 Mieskuoro Alvar (Jyväskylä), dir. Niklas Taanila

NATIONAL SERIES

Helsinki Music Centre Camerata Hall

10.45 Rauman Mieslaulajat, dir, Markku Haavisto
11.00 Espoon Mieslaulajat – ESMILA, dir. Helge Kõrvits
11.15 Kokkolan Lauluveikot, dir. Mari Sillanpää
11.30 Runebergskören BSB (Porvoo), dir. Teppo Salakka

13.15 Joensuun Mieslaulajat, dir. Janne Piipponen
13.30 Keravan Mieslaulajat, dir. Teppo Salakka
13.45 Mieskuoro Sirkat (Jyväskylä), dir. Kimmo Tuuri
14.00 Lapuan Mieslaulajat, dir. Marika Ahonen

REVIEW SERIES

Helsinki Music Centre Concert Hall

15.30 Porvoon Mieslaulajat, dir. Pekka Itkonen
15.40 Hyvinkään Työväen Mieskuoro, dir. Anu Sepp
15.50 Finlandia-laulajat (Keski-Uusimaa), dir. Teppo Salakka

VENUE AND DATE

The VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition will be held at the Helsinki Music Centre (Mannerheimintie 13 A, Helsinki) on Saturday 27 November 2021. The competition organiser may transfer parts of the competition to some other venue in Helsinki should the number of participants so require.

SERIES

The competition has international, national and review series. Choirs from abroad may participate in the international or review series, professional singers only in the international series. Finnish amateur choirs may participate in any series.

The competition organiser has the right to limit the number of participants in each series. Participation will be confirmed in order of registration.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

International series

The maximum duration of the choir’s performance, transfers included, is 15 minutes. The repertoire must consist of a cappella music but may include pitchless percussion instruments. The repertoire is optional but must include:
• the mandatory composition by Leevi Madetoja: Ikävyys (Melancholy, 1916, words Larin-Kyösti, © YL Male Voice Choir)
• a composition by a living composer from the choir’s own country
The language of performance is optional; this also applies to the mandatory composition.

National series

The maximum duration of the choir’s performance, transfers included, is 15 minutes. The repertoire must consist of a cappella music but may include pitchless percussion instruments. The repertoire is optional but must include:
• the mandatory composition by Leevi Madetoja: Hämärän ääniä (Dusk, 1916, words Larin-Kyösti, © YL Male Voice Choir)
• a composition by a living Finnish composer
The language of performance is optional; this also applies to the mandatory composition.

Review series

The maximum duration of the choir’s performance, transfers included, is 10 minutes. The choir will receive oral feedback from the jury immediately after the performance. The repertoire may include accompanying instruments; the responsibility for these will lie with the choir. The repertoire is optional and may be performed in any language. There is no mandatory work.

REGISTRATION

Choirs wishing to take part in the competition must register online by 30 September 2021 at www.hmcw2021.fi. The registration form will go online on 1 January 2019.

Choirs wishing to take part must also submit the following documents to toiminnanjohtaja@mieskuoro.fi by 30 September 2021:
• a presentation of the choir in Finnish, Swedish or English (file format doc, docx or pdf, or link to a web page)
• a presentation of the choir’s conductor in Finnish, Swedish or English (file format doc, docx or pdf, or link to a web page)
• 2 photographs of the choir (file format jpg, minimum width 1,500 pixels)
• 2 photographs of the choir’s conductor (file format jpg, minimum width 1,500 pixels)
and send via regular mail to Suomen Mieskuoroliitto, Tallberginkatu 1 C / 18, FI-00180 Helsinki:
• legal sheet music (original published sheet music or manuscript copies approved by the composer) of the choir’s competition repertoire.

PARTICIPATION FEE

The fee for participation in the competition is EUR 400 in the international series, EUR 300 in the national series and EUR 200 in the review series. The participation fee will be invoiced after the registration period.

The registration fee will not be returned should a choir cancel its participation after the registration period. Each choir will be responsible for its own travel, accommodation and other expenses.

JURY

For each series, the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association (Suomen Mieskuoroliitto) will appoint a jury consisting of a chairperson and at least two other members.

Participants will all receive written feedback from the jury after the competition.

ORDER OF PERFORMANCE AND GALA CONCERT

The order of performance in each series will be decided in a draw conducted by the competition organiser. Participants will receive a precise competition schedule not later than one month before the competition.

Choirs selected by the jury will be obliged to perform in the competition’s gala concert at the Helsinki Music Centre on Saturday evening 27 November 2021 for no separate fee.

PRIZES

The total prize sum in the competition’s international series is EUR 5,000 and in the national series EUR 2,500. No monetary prizes will be awarded in the review series. Special prizes approved by the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association may also be awarded.

SHEET MUSIC

The music for the mandatory works in the international and national series will be posted in pdf format on the competition website (www.hmcw2021.fi) on 1 January 2019. Before this, it will be on sale at SULASOL, Tallberginkatu 1 B, FI-00180 Helsinki; sales@sulasol.fi, tel. +358 10 8200 221). The editions on sale include singable translations in Swedish and German.

Only legal sheet music is permitted in the competition (original published sheet music or manuscript copies approved by the composer). The organiser has the right to check the legality of the sheet music.

RECORDINGS

The competition organiser has unlimited right to record, photograph, video and broadcast on radio, television or the Internet and to stream any of the competition performances and concerts for no separate fee. The competition organiser may transfer any of the above rights to another party.

These competition rules were ratified by the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association on 4 November 2017 and as the competition had to be postponed, revised on 29 March 2020 and 23 January 2021. The original language of the rules is Finnish, and any disputes will be settled by the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association according to the Finnish version.

FURTHER INFORMATION
www.hmcw2021.fi
Finnish Male Choir Association, Executive Director Aino Herranen: toiminnanjohtaja@mieskuoro.fi, tel. +358 10 8200 236

VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition

International series

Total prize sum EUR 5000

Special prizes:

  • The Matti Hyökki Prize for a choral conductor, EUR 2000
  • Prize for the best performance of a work by Leevi Madetoja, EUR 1000 (donated by the Society of Finnish Composers’ Madetoja fund)

National series

Total prize sum EUR 2500

Special prizes:

  • Prize for the best performance of a work by a living Finnish composer, EUR 500 (donated by the Society of Finnish Composers’ Madetoja fund)
  • Prize for the best performance of a work by Leevi Madetoja, EUR 500 (donated by the Society of Finnish Composers’ Madetoja fund)

The jury may also award other prizes and honours.

The award ceremony of the VI International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition in 2015. Photo: Markku Pihlaja.

The chair of the jury in the international series, Matti Hyökki. Photo: Markku Pihlaja

International series

chairperson Matti Hyökki (FI)
Georg Grün (DE)
Sofia Söderberg (SE)

National and review series
chairperson Tommi Niskala (FI)
Jutta Seppinen (FI)
Visa Yrjölä (FI)

The patron of Helsinki Male Choir Weekend is Debuty Mayor of Education in Helsinki, Nasima Razmyar.


Nasima Razmyar. Photo: Jyrki Nisonen.

The mandatory composition in the international series:
Download sheet music (pdf): Leevi Madetoja: Ikävyys (Larin-Kyösti)
Original poem (narrated by Paavo Hyökki): https://youtu.be/conLci-TvlY

Misery (translation by Arttu Vilmi)

What an eternity of misery
hangs over these alleys!
Seldom does the sun find its way
into my chamber with its caressing rays.

Fiery pain, why do you eat at my heart,
rise, my young strength, burst through the shell,
carry me into the light and clear the path,
and cut, root and branch,
the dark tree planted at my birth!

When my restraints are loosened and the gates open,
when I feel free again,
a kantele begins to ring,
my spirit is young, it is free,
it returns to its primal strength,
it grows, it soars on its wings;
I can see, how the morning of my spirit is dawning.
Ring, eternal kantele of life, ring!

The mandatory composition in the national series:
Download sheet music (pdf): Leevi Madetoja: Hämärän ääniä (Larin-Kyösti)

These editions are free to use in the competition. The sheet music for the mandatory works are also on sale at SULASOL, Tallberginkatu 1 B, FI-00180 Helsinki; sales@sulasol.fi, tel. +358 10 8200 221). The editions on sale include singable translations in Swedish and German.

Only legal sheet music is permitted in the competition (original published sheet music or manuscript copies approved by the composer). The organiser has the right to check the legality of the sheet music.

 

Songs for joint choir in the gala concert Sat 27 November 2021:

  • Edvard Grieg: Sangerhilsen (Sigvald Skavlan)
  • Peep Sarapik: Ta lendab mesipuu poole (Juhan Liiv)
  • Jean Sibelius: Finlandia-hymni (V. A. Koskenniemi)

Participating choirs will get a link to these scores after the registration.

Leevi Madetoja, born in Oulu in 1887, is especially known as a choral composer. Although Madetoja also composed a notable number of instrumental works, inevitably they are the choral works, which point out from his catalogue, and not without reason.

Madetoja’s merits as a Finnish choral composer are exceptional. Madetoja, who studied under Sibelius, Järnefelt and many other composers, represented national romantic style. However, he mixed to this style elements of e.g. Finnish folk songs and French music of the early 20th century, Madetoja had become acquainted with the latter while studying composing as a young man in Paris.

In addition to his work as a composer, Madetoja had time to work e.g. as a teacher at Helsinki University and at Helsinki Music School (today known as Sibelius Academy), as music reviewer and chairman of the Finnish Composers’ Copyright Society (Teosto). He was married with poet L. Onerva from 1913 until his death in Helsinki on 6 October 1947.

Works for male choir by Leevi Madetoja on Spotify:

Helsinki Male Choir Weekend will be arranged for the first time in 2021, but the history of International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition goes back more than 30 years.

The first Madetoja Competition was declared to be commenced with the following words: ”In 1987 Leevi Madetoja would have turned 100 years. Madetoja’s choral compositions, especially his ample repertoire for male voices, belong to the focal Finnish choral poetry. In order to advance the male voice choir singing, to enhance the reverence of the male voice choir music, to steer to attention of the general public, composers, publishers and decision-makers in the cultural politics towards this type of choral singing and to honour the life-long work of Professor Leevi Madetoja, the Finnish Male Choir Association has decided to organise an international competition for male voice choirs and named it as Madetoja Competition.” The competition will be held for the seventh time in 2021.

Results of the earlier competitions

I Leevi Madetoja Competition 12–14 October 1989 Turku

A Series
I Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli Akadeemiline Meeskoor, Jüri Rent
II Stockholms Studentsångarförbund, Göte Widlund
III Amici Cantus, Johanna Kallio
shared IV Lunds Studentsångförening, Janåke Larson & Tartu Akadeemiline Meeskoor, Alo Ritsing
VI Mieskuoro Sirkat, Kari Ala-Pöllänen

B Series
I Pohjan Laulu, Rauno Rännäli
shared II Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit, Arto Risku & Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro, Erkki Alanen & Vantaan Laulu, Teppo Salakka
V Rajamäen Mieslaulajat, Urpo Rauhala
VI Forssan kaupungin mieskuoro, Jukka Kuninkaanniemi

II Leevi Madetoja Competition 16 April 1994 Oulu

A Series
I Pyhäjokilaakson Mieslaulajat, Tapani Tirilä
II Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, Raul Talmar

B Series
I Pohjan Laulu, Rauno Rännäli
II Vantaan Laulu, Märt Krell

III Leevi Madetoja Competition 15 April 2000 Helsinki

International Series
I Mieskuoro Sirkat, Juha Holma
II Akademiska Sångföreningen, Henrik Wikström
III Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, Matti Apajalahti

National Series
I Nokian Työväen Mieskuoro, Keijo Rantanen
II Vantaan Laulu, Esko Kallio
shared III Keravan Mieslaulajat, Teppo Salakka & Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro, Erkki Alanen

IV Leevi Madetoja Competition 12 March 2005 Lahti

A Series
I Svanholm Singers, Sofia Söderberg
II Polyteknikkojen Kuoro, Juha Kuivanen
III Akademiska Sångföreningen, Henrik Wikström

B Series
I Tallinna Pedagoogikaülikooli Meeskoor, Jüri Rent
II Vantaan Laulu, Jori Männistö
III Poikakuoro Pirkanpojat, Jussi Kauranen

V Leevi Madetoja Competition 17 April 2010 Espoo

International Series
I Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, Matti Apajalahti
II Tehnikaülikooli Akadeemiline Meeskoor, Peeter Perens
III Gradski zbor Brodosplit, Vlado Sunko

National Series
I Porin Mies-Laulu, Guido Ausmaa
II Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit, Tommi Niskala
III Joensuun Mieslaulajat, Kari Väänänen
IV Mariehamns-Kvartetten, Tom Björkman

VI Leevi Madetoja Competition 18 April 2015 Tampere

International Series
I Mieskuoro Euga, Visa Yrjölä
II Mieskuoro Laulajat, Paavo Hyökki
III Porin Mies-Laulu, Guido Ausmaa

National Series
I Pohjan Laulu, Mihkel Koldits
II Karjalan Laulu-Veikot, Nadja Härkönen
shared III Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit, Tommi Niskala & Joensuun Mieslaulajat, Kari Väänänen

Finnish Male Choir Association
Executive Director Aino Herranen
toiminnanjohtaja@mieskuoro.fi, tel +358-10-8200236

Follow us on Facebook: International Leevi Madetoja Male Choir Competition

FRIDAY 9 APRIL 2021

The Polytech Choir with Saara Aittakumpu. Photo: Mikko Reinikainen

Reception of the City of Helsinki

Vanha Raatihuone at 5 pm

Max 2 representatives/choir, only with an invitation/registration

 

Opening concert 

Temppeliaukio Rock Church at 7 pm

The Polytech Choir, dir. Saara Aittakumpu

Tickets for the participants: EUR 25 (also included in the participation package for Friday)

Tickets for the audience: EUR 25/20/15 (more details to be published later)

 

Informal performances

Restaurants and bars in central Helsinki

 

SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2021

Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro and Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, dir. Anneli Julén in the Helsinki Music Centre in April 2013. Photo: Markku Pihlaja.

VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition

Helsinki Music Centre, Concert Hall and Camerata Hall from 9 am to 5 pm

With a participation badge, free entrance to the balcony of the Concert Hall of the Helsinki Music Centre

Tickets for the audience: EUR 10 + service fee per hall (from Ticketmaster in early 2021)

 

Lunch

Helsinki Music Centre from 10.30 am to 3 pm

EUR 12 (also included in the participation packages)
Read more under the tab “Meals”!

 

Informal performances and male choir seminar

Helsinki Music Centre, lobby area

Interesting interviews and keynotes
Short performances of participating choirs

Free entrance

Joint choir in Helsinki Music Centre in April 2013, dir. Juha Holma. Photo: Markku Pihlaja.

Gala concert

Helsinki Music Centre, Concert Hall at 7 pm

Jury’s selection from the competition and the prize ceremony

Joint choir performances with all participants

Edvard Grieg: Sangerhilsen (Sigvald Skavlan)
Peep Sarapik: Ta lendab mesipuu poole (Juhan Liiv)
Jean Sibelius: Finlandia-hymni (V. A. Koskenniemi)

Liiton Miehet, the elite choir of the Finnish Male Choir Association, dir. Paavo Hyökki

The elite choir of the Finnish Male Choir Association, Liiton Miehet (literally “The Men of the Union”) gave its first concert in summer 2017. There are currently 32 singers from all over Finland. This periodically rehearsing choir aims to offer a professional working environment for talented singers, however not affecting the activities of the singers’ other choirs. The choir was founded and is conducted by the artistic director of the Finnish Male Choir Association, Paavo Hyökki.

 The elite choir Liiton Miehet, dir. Paavo Hyökki. Photo: Essi Vakkila

Tickets for the participants: EUR 35 (also included in the participation packages)

Tickets for the audience from Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.fi/event/272967
EUR 80/39/23 (incl. service fee)

 

After party with supper

Helsinki Music Centre at 9.30 pm

EUR 39 (also included in the participation packages)
Read more under the tab “Meals”!

 

SUNDAY 11 APRIL 2021

Photo: My Helsinki / Jenna Pietikäinen

Male choir concerts and informal performances

We are happy to arrange friendship concerts and other male choir performances in central Helsinki on the final day of our event according to the choirs’ wishes. More details: hmcw@mieskuoro.fi!

 

 

Registration for the VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition has been reopened! The registration deadline is 31 January 2021 (edit 10 Nov 2020: registration period extended) via e-form: https://forms.gle/UCzmxb8S3ZsJQXUH9

If your choir was already registered for the 2020 edition of the competition:
– The registration to the competition is still valid and the participation fee paid will be used to the 2021 edition.
– The registration may be cancelled by 31 January 2021 (edit 10 Nov 2020: registration period extended) free of charge; in such case, the participation fee would be refunded and the sheet music sent back to the choir.
– If the choir wishes to make changes in their repertoire or other participation documents, it is also possible until 31 January 2021 (edit 10 Nov 2020: registration period extended).

Registration for the other activities of Helsinki Male Choir Weekend has also been reopened! The registration deadline is 28 February 2021 (edit 10 Nov 2020: registration period extended) via e-form: https://forms.gle/nTY3bFftfLSYJcgt6 

Participation packages for the weekend:

  • Participation package Fri-Sat, EUR 99 per singer (includes opening concert Fri 9 April 2021, lunch, gala concert and after party Sat 10 April 2021, t-shirt and possiblity for choir’s own performances)
  • Participation package Sat, EUR 89 per singer (includes lunch, gala concert and after party Sat 10 April 2021, t-shirt and possiblity for choir’s own performances)

Single reservations:

  • Opening concert with the Polytech Choir Fri 9 April 2021, EUR 25
  • Gala concert Sat 10 April 2021, EUR 35
    (VIP tickets EUR 75 + service fee and discount price for students EUR 20 + service fee only available via Ticketmaster)
  • Lunch Sat 10 April 2021, EUR 12 (more details under tab “Meals”)
  • After party Sat 10 April 2021, EUR 39 (more details under tab “Meals”)
  • T-shirt, EUR 15

All Helsinki Male Choir Weekend participants will get a participation badge, and with the badge free entrance to follow the VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition from the balcony in the Concert Hall as long as there are free seats. Tickets to the stalls of the Concert Hall and Camerata Hall will be sold by Ticketmaster from early 2021.

Laulu-Miehet and Pohjan Laulu, dir. Matti Hyökki in Helsinki Music Centre in 2013. Photo: Markku Pihlaja

How to travel to Helsinki: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/meetings-and-events/accessibility-and-arrival

All event venues are within walking distance or easily accessible by public transport. Participating choirs are thus not required to have a bus of their own.

Accommodation offers by our cooperative hotels will be published shortly!

Helsinki tourist information: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en

The meals are only available when booked in advance by 28 February 2021 (edit 10 Nov 2020: registration period extended) at https://forms.gle/nTY3bFftfLSYJcgt6

Lunch EUR 12

Helsinki Music Centre Sat 10 April 2021 from 10.30 am to 3 pm

Salad bar
Two warm main courses (of which one vegetarian)
Selection of Music Centre’s breads, spreads

After party and supper EUR 39

Helsinki Music Centre Sat 10 April 2021 at 9.30 pm

Starters on sapas board:
Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
Grandma’s cucumbers
Cellery, apple and rucola
Roasted Finnish root vegetables
Hemp snacks

Green salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Selection of Music Centre’s breads with herb butter

***

Overripe pork cheek in beer sauce
Ratatouille with Halloumi
Parsnip-potato au gratin

Coffee and brewed tea

VENUE AND DATE

The VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition will be held at the Helsinki Music Centre (Mannerheimintie 13 A, Helsinki) on Saturday 10 April 2021. The competition organiser may transfer parts of the competition to some other venue in Helsinki should the number of participants so require.

SERIES

The competition has international, national and review series. Choirs from abroad may participate in the international or review series, professional singers only in the international series. Finnish amateur choirs may participate in any series.

The competition organiser has the right to limit the number of participants in each series. Participation will be confirmed in order of registration.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

International series

The maximum duration of the choir’s performance, transfers included, is 15 minutes. The repertoire must consist of a cappella music but may include pitchless percussion instruments. The repertoire is optional but must include:
• the mandatory composition by Leevi Madetoja: Ikävyys (Melancholy, 1916, words Larin-Kyösti, © YL Male Voice Choir)
• a composition by a living composer from the choir’s own country
The language of performance is optional; this also applies to the mandatory composition.

National series

The maximum duration of the choir’s performance, transfers included, is 15 minutes. The repertoire must consist of a cappella music but may include pitchless percussion instruments. The repertoire is optional but must include:
• the mandatory composition by Leevi Madetoja: Hämärän ääniä (Dusk, 1916, words Larin-Kyösti, © YL Male Voice Choir)
• a composition by a living Finnish composer
The language of performance is optional; this also applies to the mandatory composition.

Review series

The maximum duration of the choir’s performance, transfers included, is 10 minutes. The choir will receive oral feedback from the jury immediately after the performance. The repertoire may include accompanying instruments; the responsibility for these will lie with the choir. The repertoire is optional and may be performed in any language. There is no mandatory work.

REGISTRATION

Choirs wishing to take part in the competition must register online by 31 December 2020 at www.mieskuoro.fi/madetoja2020. The registration form will go online on 1 January 2019.

Choirs wishing to take part must also submit the following documents to toiminnanjohtaja@mieskuoro.fi by 31 December 2020:
• a presentation of the choir in Finnish, Swedish or English (file format doc, docx or pdf, or link to a web page)
• a presentation of the choir’s conductor in Finnish, Swedish or English (file format doc, docx or pdf, or link to a web page)
• 2 photographs of the choir (file format jpg, minimum width 1,500 pixels)
• 2 photographs of the choir’s conductor (file format jpg, minimum width 1,500 pixels)
and send via regular mail to Suomen Mieskuoroliitto, Klaneettitie 6–8, FI-00420 Helsinki:
• legal sheet music (original published sheet music or manuscript copies approved by the composer) of the choir’s competition repertoire.

PARTICIPATION FEE

The fee for participation in the competition is EUR 400 in the international series, EUR 300 in the national series and EUR 200 in the review series. The participation fee will be invoiced after the registration period.

The registration fee will not be returned should a choir cancel its participation after the registration period. Each choir will be responsible for its own travel, accommodation and other expenses.

JURY

For each series, the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association (Suomen Mieskuoroliitto) will appoint a jury consisting of a chairperson and at least two other members.

Participants will all receive written feedback from the jury after the competition.

ORDER OF PERFORMANCE AND GALA CONCERT

The order of performance in each series will be decided in a draw conducted by the competition organiser. Participants will receive a precise competition schedule not later than one month before the competition.

Choirs selected by the jury will be obliged to perform in the competition’s gala concert at the Helsinki Music Centre on Saturday evening 10 April 2021 for no separate fee.

PRIZES

The total prize sum in the competition’s international series is EUR 5,000 and in the national series EUR 2,500. No monetary prizes will be awarded in the review series. Special prizes approved by the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association may also be awarded.

SHEET MUSIC

The music for the mandatory works in the international and national series will be posted in pdf format on the competition website (www.mieskuoro.fi/madetoja2020) on 1 January 2019. Before this, it will be on sale at SULASOL, Klaneettitie 6–8, FI-00420 Helsinki; sales@sulasol.fi, tel. +358 10 8200 221). The editions on sale include singable translations in Swedish and German.

Only legal sheet music is permitted in the competition (original published sheet music or manuscript copies approved by the composer). The organiser has the right to check the legality of the sheet music.

RECORDINGS

The competition organiser has unlimited right to record, photograph, video and broadcast on radio, television or the Internet and to stream any of the competition performances and concerts for no separate fee. The competition organiser may transfer any of the above rights to another party.

These competition rules were ratified by the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association on 4 November 2017 and as the competition had to be postponed, revised on 29 March 2020. The original language of the rules is Finnish, and any disputes will be settled by the board of the Finnish Male Choir Association according to the Finnish version.

FURTHER INFORMATION
www.mieskuoro.fi/madetoja2020
Finnish Male Choir Association, Executive Director Aino Herranen: toiminnanjohtaja@mieskuoro.fi, tel. +358 10 8200 236

VII International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition

International series

Total prize sum EUR 5000

Special prizes:

  • The Matti Hyökki Prize for a choral conductor, EUR 2000
  • Prize for the best performance of a work by Leevi Madetoja, EUR 1000 (donated by the Society of Finnish Composers’ Madetoja fund)

National series

Total prize sum EUR 2500

Special prizes:

  • Prize for the best performance of a work by a living Finnish composer, EUR 500 (donated by the Society of Finnish Composers’ Madetoja fund)
  • Prize for the best performance of a work by Leevi Madetoja, EUR 500 (donated by the Society of Finnish Composers’ Madetoja fund)

The jury may also award other prizes and honours.

The award ceremony of the VI International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition in 2015. Photo: Markku Pihlaja.

The chair of the jury in the international series, Matti Hyökki. Photo: Markku Pihlaja

 

International series
chairperson Matti Hyökki (FI)
Georg Grün (DE)
Sofia Söderberg (SE)

 

National series
chairperson Tommi Niskala (FI)
Jutta Seppinen (FI)
Visa Yrjölä (FI)

 

Review series
chairperson Elisa Huovinen (FI)
Hirvo Surva (EE)
Markus Yli-Jokipii (FI)

The mandatory composition in the international series:
Download sheet music (pdf): Leevi Madetoja: Ikävyys (Larin-Kyösti)
Original poem (narrated by Paavo Hyökki): https://youtu.be/conLci-TvlY

Misery (translation by Arttu Vilmi)

What an eternity of misery
hangs over these alleys!
Seldom does the sun find its way
into my chamber with its caressing rays.

Fiery pain, why do you eat at my heart,
rise, my young strength, burst through the shell,
carry me into the light and clear the path,
and cut, root and branch,
the dark tree planted at my birth!

When my restraints are loosened and the gates open,
when I feel free again,
a kantele begins to ring,
my spirit is young, it is free,
it returns to its primal strength,
it grows, it soars on its wings;
I can see, how the morning of my spirit is dawning.
Ring, eternal kantele of life, ring!

The mandatory composition in the national series:
Download sheet music (pdf): Leevi Madetoja: Hämärän ääniä (Larin-Kyösti)

These editions are free to use in the competition. The sheet music for the mandatory works are also on sale at SULASOL, Klaneettitie 6–8, FI-00420 Helsinki; sales@sulasol.fi, tel. +358 10 8200 221). The editions on sale include singable translations in Swedish and German.

Only legal sheet music is permitted in the competition (original published sheet music or manuscript copies approved by the composer). The organiser has the right to check the legality of the sheet music.

 

Songs for joint choir in the gala concert Sat 10 April 2021:

  • Edvard Grieg: Sangerhilsen (Sigvald Skavlan)
  • Peep Sarapik: Ta lendab mesipuu poole (Juhan Liiv)
  • Jean Sibelius: Finlandia-hymni (V. A. Koskenniemi)

Participating choirs will get a link to these scores after the registration.

Leevi Madetoja, born in Oulu in 1887, is especially known as a choral composer. Although Madetoja also composed a notable number of instrumental works, inevitably they are the choral works, which point out from his catalogue, and not without reason.

Madetoja’s merits as a Finnish choral composer are exceptional. Madetoja, who studied under Sibelius, Järnefelt and many other composers, represented national romantic style. However, he mixed to this style elements of e.g. Finnish folk songs and French music of the early 20th century, Madetoja had become acquainted with the latter while studying composing as a young man in Paris.

In addition to his work as a composer, Madetoja had time to work e.g. as a teacher at Helsinki University and at Helsinki Music School (today known as Sibelius Academy), as music reviewer and chairman of the Finnish Composers’ Copyright Society (Teosto). He was married with poet L. Onerva from 1913 until his death in Helsinki on 6 October 1947.

Works for male choir by Leevi Madetoja on Spotify:

Helsinki Male Choir Weekend will be arranged for the first time in 2021, but the history of International Leevi Madetoja Male Voice Choir Competition goes back more than 30 years.

The first Madetoja Competition was declared to be commenced with the following words: ”In 1987 Leevi Madetoja would have turned 100 years. Madetoja’s choral compositions, especially his ample repertoire for male voices, belong to the focal Finnish choral poetry. In order to advance the male voice choir singing, to enhance the reverence of the male voice choir music, to steer to attention of the general public, composers, publishers and decision-makers in the cultural politics towards this type of choral singing and to honour the life-long work of Professor Leevi Madetoja, the Finnish Male Choir Association has decided to organise an international competition for male voice choirs and named it as Madetoja Competition.” The competition will be held for the seventh time in 2021.

Results of the earlier competitions

I Leevi Madetoja Competition 12–14 October 1989 Turku

A Series
I Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli Akadeemiline Meeskoor, Jüri Rent
II Stockholms Studentsångarförbund, Göte Widlund
III Amici Cantus, Johanna Kallio
shared IV Lunds Studentsångförening, Janåke Larson & Tartu Akadeemiline Meeskoor, Alo Ritsing
VI Mieskuoro Sirkat, Kari Ala-Pöllänen

B Series
I Pohjan Laulu, Rauno Rännäli
shared II Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit, Arto Risku & Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro, Erkki Alanen & Vantaan Laulu, Teppo Salakka
V Rajamäen Mieslaulajat, Urpo Rauhala
VI Forssan kaupungin mieskuoro, Jukka Kuninkaanniemi

II Leevi Madetoja Competition 16 April 1994 Oulu

A Series
I Pyhäjokilaakson Mieslaulajat, Tapani Tirilä
II Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, Raul Talmar

B Series
I Pohjan Laulu, Rauno Rännäli
II Vantaan Laulu, Märt Krell

III Leevi Madetoja Competition 15 April 2000 Helsinki

International Series
I Mieskuoro Sirkat, Juha Holma
II Akademiska Sångföreningen, Henrik Wikström
III Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, Matti Apajalahti

National Series
I Nokian Työväen Mieskuoro, Keijo Rantanen
II Vantaan Laulu, Esko Kallio
shared III Keravan Mieslaulajat, Teppo Salakka & Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro, Erkki Alanen

IV Leevi Madetoja Competition 12 March 2005 Lahti

A Series
I Svanholm Singers, Sofia Söderberg
II Polyteknikkojen Kuoro, Juha Kuivanen
III Akademiska Sångföreningen, Henrik Wikström

B Series
I Tallinna Pedagoogikaülikooli Meeskoor, Jüri Rent
II Vantaan Laulu, Jori Männistö
III Poikakuoro Pirkanpojat, Jussi Kauranen

V Leevi Madetoja Competition 17 April 2010 Espoo

International Series
I Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat, Matti Apajalahti
II Tehnikaülikooli Akadeemiline Meeskoor, Peeter Perens
III Gradski zbor Brodosplit, Vlado Sunko

National Series
I Porin Mies-Laulu, Guido Ausmaa
II Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit, Tommi Niskala
III Joensuun Mieslaulajat, Kari Väänänen
IV Mariehamns-Kvartetten, Tom Björkman

VI Leevi Madetoja Competition 18 April 2015 Tampere

International Series
I Mieskuoro Euga, Visa Yrjölä
II Mieskuoro Laulajat, Paavo Hyökki
III Porin Mies-Laulu, Guido Ausmaa

National Series
I Pohjan Laulu, Mihkel Koldits
II Karjalan Laulu-Veikot, Nadja Härkönen
shared III Etelä-Pohjanmaan Mieslaulajat Jussit, Tommi Niskala & Joensuun Mieslaulajat, Kari Väänänen

The patron of Helsinki Male Choir Weekend is Debuty Mayor of Culture and Leisure in Helsinki, Nasima Razmyar.


Nasima Razmyar. Photo: Jyrki Nisonen.

Finnish Male Choir Association
Executive Director Aino Herranen
toiminnanjohtaja@mieskuoro.fi, tel +358-10-8200236

Follow us on Facebook: International Leevi Madetoja Male Choir Competition