Vox Aurea

a kate west recommendation

Finland's latest export comes in the form of an extraordinary Children's Choir known as Vox Aurea (a.k.a. The Golden Voice, in Latin). The kids (ages 11-18) come from Jyväskylä, Finland and travel the world bringing awed audiences the gift of music. With choreographed movement, they showcase folk and modern pieces, all perfectly rehearsed. Founded by Torsten Lindfors in 1968, the touring company includes world famous composer and conductor Pekka Kostiainen and Sanna Salminen. They hit San Francisco and Los Angeles this summer and have performed all over.

Scaling the music staff from top to bottom, the children's remarkable range dazzles and delights. You may not understand all the words (although some pieces are in English), but you will most decidedly understand the emotions, as they act out little dramas, set to original and traditional songs. Chirping and clicking, they mimic atmospheric sounds, becoming wind or train whistles or whatever the piece may require and they are obviously having the time of their lives as they grin joyfully and sing their little hearts out. Bowing their heads during solemn lulls, they will invoke Rockette precision the very next moment. And as an added bonus, the costumes are beautiful, colorful and fitting.

Kudos to the parents for providing this great opportunity to cross culture. Look them up and see if you can become a lucky host family and get to know Finland like no one else. You can regale your neighbors with fun Finnish facts. Well worth catching their act and here's how:

Performing at:
International Choral Exchange
with Los Angeles Children's Chorus
at Pasadena Presbyterian Church
July 21, 2009 @7pm
www.ppc.net
585 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101-2036
(626) 793-2191

Tour Dates
July 9 - 23, 2009
www.voxaurea.org

Or Catch them on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/VoxAureaFIN