The musical Princess of Cyprus, sponsored by the Embassy of Cyprus, was performed twice on the 11th of May at the Swedish Theatre in Helsinki, first in Swedish and then in Finnish. The music play was drawn from the Finnish national epic Kalevala, which was published in full edition in 1849. The composer of the play was Fredrik Pacius (1809 -1891), a German composer and conductor who spent the majority of his life in Finland. Pacius composed the music to the Finnish national anthem Maamme (Our Land) and wrote the first Finnish opera (Kaarle kuninkaan metsästys –The Hunt of King Charles, 1852). No wonder he has often been given the title “Father of Finnish music”. The Libretto of “Princess of Cyprus” was written by the author and historian Zacharias Topelius.
The first performance of the “Princess of Cyprus” took place during the end of November in 1860, being the main program of the opening ceremony of the New Theatre (nowadays called the Swedish Theatre). The play was performed several times to the end of the century in Swedish, until the most prominent Finnish poet, Eino Leino translated the libretto into Finnish. His translation was then modified by another poet, Toivo Lyy, whose version of the “Princess of Cyprus” was performed in several theatres around Finland during the 1920’s and 30’s.
Afterwards the musical play fell into oblivion, until a well-known Finnish conductor, Ulf Söderblom discovered the old musical play in some archives and decided to make a new performance of it in 2001. The spoken parts of the play were summarized and rewritten into a narrator role by Professor Lars Huldén. This made the text more suitable for concert performances and consequently it was recorded later in 2002 by Ulf Söderblom, the Tapiola Sinfonietta and the Jubulate Chorus.
The founders of the Princess of Cyprus Association were delighted by the early connection between Kalevala and Cyprus, and decided to bring it back again for the pleasure of the Finnish listeners. This was made possible by Liisa Ryömä’s translation of the narrator’s part.
The performance was conducted by Klaus Rautawaara, with the Sinfonia da Camera Finlandia orchestra. The choir parts were sung by the Veräjäpellon choir (female voices, director Johan Perälahti) and Kvartettilaulajat (male voices) conducted by Klaus Rautawaara. Solo singers included Ulla Bürger (as Chryseis), Tiina-Maija Koskela (as Anemotis), Tuula Paavola (as Helka, Lemminkäinen’s mother) and Christian Juslin (tenor soloist). Spoken role actors consisted of Johan Storgård (narrator), Christian Sandström (as Lemminkäinen) and Tom Eklundh (as Tiera).
The two performances on Mother’s day were such a success and received an abundance of positive feedback, which left not only the audience but also the performers with the question of when the “Princess of Cyprus” will be performed again. Maybe perhaps even in Cyprus?
Welcoming Remarks of Her Excellency Thalia Petrides Ambassador of Cyprus
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Princess of Cyprus musical performance. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to the Princess of Cyprus Association for all of the enthusiasm and effort they put forth to transfer a mere concept into a memorable and enjoyable performance. This project has also provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen cultural relations between Cyprus and Finland.
To me, it has been very intriguing to become acquainted with the work of Finnish writer Zachris Topelius, who combined Finland’s national epic Kalevala with Cyprus. What better place to set the surroundings for an epic love story featuring Lemminkäinen and the Princess Chryseis (Kyllikki in Kalevala) of the Kalevala myth, than Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.
Located at the cross-roads of three continents, Cyprus has a tremendously rich and colorful history dating back to as far as 8.000 BC. Beautiful ancient monuments, Byzantine churches and medieval castles bear witness to the country’s multifaceted culture. During its history, Cyprus was ruled by various nations but it was able to assimilate the assortment of new influences and create a unique culture of its own, while preserving its Hellenic identity and heritage.
For two nations with a considerable geographic distance between them, the Finnish and Hellenic Cultures have more in common than what first meets the eye. Poems, songs, and theatre have played a significant role in both countries’ cultural history. Kalevala is an excellent example of the influence of ancient poetic works in the Finnish society. Theatre has thrived in Cyprus since antiquity with ancient theatres scattered all over the island continuously hosting performances still to this day, ranging from productions of classical to modern plays. The importance of theatre in the Cypriot culture as an important expression of artistic creativity is greatly supported by public funding and the promotion of theatre through education and amateur plays.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the musicians, singers and actors for their hard work and dedication in turning this project into a reality. Moreover, I would especially like to note the visible and valuable work that the Princess of Cyprus Association has done in making Cyprus and its culture more known here in Finland. Once again, I extend a heartfelt welcome to you all and hope that you enjoy the performance.
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