Look what a venue can do ... and, classicLive

For those of us who live in the Twin Cities, we have seen how the new Guthrie Theater, the expanded Walker Arts Center, the Minneapolis Central Library and recent expansions of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Minneapolis Children’s Theater have raised Minneapolis’ international profile. The same can be said about Sibelius Hall in Lahti.

What was once a harbor solely for use by the wood industry on Lake Vesijärvi has now become a thriving cultural destination in Finland. By redeveloping the harbor front … Teemu Kirjonen, deputy general manager of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, told me the area has been nicknamed the “new living room for Lahti,” because of its popularity during the summer season. Large lake boats outfitted with restaurants fill the marina, and dinner cruises are popular. (I have resolved that I must come back to experience Lahti’s living room during the summer or fall season!)

There is no doubt in my mind that the arts play an important role in redeveloping communities. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I joined the Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC) staff a year ago to help guide the redevelopment and expansion of the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis.

In an essay published in the book “Symphonically Together” about the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Clark, chief music critic for the Financial Times, wrote:

During the past year working on West Broadway at PCYC, I am excited to see that our own community is embracing a spirit of enlightenment of its own … recognizing that an investment in cultural vitality through the Capri Theater and its expanded programming … will serve as a powerful catalyst for revitalization in North Minneapolis.

classicLive ... another innovation from Finland
Friday, February 22, 2008 • Lahti, Finland

Finland is a land of innovation, and the Lahti Symphony Orchestra is no exception. Last fall it launched classicLive, an internet broadcast service that makes select symphony concerts available on demand. Just as the Metropolitan Opera has been breaking ground with its wildly successful simulcasts of performances to movie theaters across America (which was the same service used by the St. Olaf Christmas Festival this past December), the orchestra in Lahti is breaking ground online.

If you would like to hear the concert I experienced Thursday evening (February 22) at Sibelius Hall with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the concert is can be experienced at www.classiclive.com until March 13. (Once I return home to Minneapolis, I will test Classic Live myself!)

Teemu Kirjonen (left), deputy general manager of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, said classicLive’s goal is to feature symphony orchestras around the globe. In addition to Lahti, the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Radio Choir are featured on Classic Live.

During a private tour Teemu gave me of Sibelius Hall, he pointed out five cameras that are mounted in various locations around the stage. Unlike televised events, which require camera crews in the hall, this system operates undetected by both the audience and musicians.

So far there are discussions with other potential orchestras in Europe. No news yet regarding any from the United States, however, I couldn’t help wonder: “Will the Minnesota Orchestra be the first from the U.S..? Teemu’s appropriately coy response: “Mr. Vänskä certainly knows classLive …. "