Winterreise – Tuomas Katajala and Petri Kumela

Information

Tickets 32 €
Pensioners 26 €
Students, children (under 16 years old) and the unemployed 10 €

Performers:
Tuomas Katajala, tenor
Petri Kumela, guitar

Sometimes, a shared reflection by two internationally acclaimed artists on a work that captivates them both can produce such a brilliant insight that it feels almost like a miracle. Such was the case when tenor Tuomas Katajala and classical guitarist Petri Kumela came up with the idea in 2024 to perform Franz Schubert’s Winterreise accompanied by guitar.

The guitar was a familiar and beloved instrument to Schubert, often used during his time in chamber music and domestic music-making. In fact, many of his lieder were initially published with guitar accompaniment, bringing joy to a wide circle of amateur musicians.

Petri Kumela’s 2024 arrangements of the piano parts for the cycle’s 24 songs follow the original dramaturgy, and the keys are preserved from the first published edition of the series.

The result is a unique interpretation in which Wilhelm Müller’s poems are revealed in an even more intimate and personal light. A Winter Journey by Kumela and Katajala delves deeply into the emotionally stirring inner voyage of the songs.

Petri Kumela is a versatile and internationally acclaimed classical guitarist who has won several awards, including the Classical Emma and Yle’s Record of the Year. He has performed globally at various venues and collaborated with numerous orchestras and chamber musicians. Devoted to contemporary music, Kumela has premiered several guitar concertos and works by renowned composers. He studied in Helsinki and Germany, won international competitions, and served as artistic director for several festivals. He has taught at the Sibelius Academy and released numerous recordings, including Pieniä Otuksia, which won the Classical EMMA Award.

Tuomas Katajala is an internationally successful and multifaceted Finnish tenor who has performed at major opera houses such as Glyndebourne, London’s Royal Opera House, and the Berlin State Opera Unter den Linden. His repertoire includes not only opera roles but also oratorios, concerts, and lieder. Katajala has graced prestigious stages like London’s Royal Albert Hall and Milan’s La Scala, and his oratorio repertoire encompasses over 100 works. He has worked with numerous top conductors and received multiple accolades, including the Karita Mattila and Martti Talvela scholarships. Since 2022, he has also served as Artistic Director of the Espoo Organ Night and Aria Festival.

Concert duration approx. 1 hour 10 minutes. No intermission.

Program subject to change.

Produced by Tampere-talo