Ring the Bells of Valamo – a musical journey into spirituality and the landscapes of Finland
Valamo Cultural Center, June 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
The summer 2026 music experience arrives in the peace of the Valamo Monastery, when the ConAnima® Pro bono concert series visits Heinävesi. The Ring the Bells of Valamon concert invites listeners to a profound and touching musical journey, combining the quiet beauty of Arvo Pärt's tintinnabuli style, music inspired by nature, Finnish melodies and spiritual tradition.
The concert will feature renowned musicians: Clara Petrozzi (viola) and Sari Blå (piano). Also present is Riitta Lampi, who talks about her sister, nun Kristodul, and presents a short film based on the landscapes and memories of Sortavala.
Program
Part I – music about silence and nature
The concert opens with the music of Arvo Pärt, which is built on the strong principles of silent presence, spirituality and the tintinnabuli style. We will hear, among others, Spiegel im Spiegel, Für Alina and Fratres – works that have found their way not only to concert stages but also to countless films around the world.
The nature theme continues with the music of Jan Kalliwoda, Toivo Kuula, Claude Debussy and Aleksandr Glazunov. The works reveal the gentle silence of a summer night, the atmosphere of lakes and forests, and the impressionistic reflection of light.
Duration approximately 15 min.
Part II – literature, film and spirituality
In the second part of the concert, Riitta Lampi speaks, talking about her sister nun Kristodul (1945-2020) – a respected spiritual teacher, translator and writer. Lampi will also present excerpts from the interview documentary "Kulttuuria äyttään - muistoja Sortavalasta" produced by Sortavala Society, which brings back memories of the landscape that Kristoduli loved.
The concert culminates in works of Finnish and spiritual themes: Paul Hindemith's Meditation, Liszt's Les cloches de Genève, Jean Sibelius' Religioso and, as a finale, Sari Blå's touching interpretation of Finlandia.
Performers
Clara Petrozzi, viola
The musician and composer born in Lima has influenced, among others, In the Finnish chamber music scene, has made solo recordings and specializes in Latin American art music. Petrozzi is known for her sensitivity, tonal playing and diverse musical background. She also works as a composer, pedagogue and researcher.
Sari Blå, piano
A versatile Finnish pianist, in whose repertoire French impressions and modern music play a strong role. Blå is known for her nuanced sound world and musicianship, which captivates the listener into deep musical moods.
Riitta Lampi
Lampi appears in a segment where she talks about her sister, nun Kristodul, and shows a short film. Kristoduli is known as a beloved spiritual teacher and translator, including the Finnish translator of the Philokalia.
Tickets
Tickets: €15, free for children under 7 years old.
Buy tickets from Valamo's online store and at the door one hour before.
The concert is organized by
ConAnima® Pro bono / Johanna Ruuth-Karvonen in cooperation with Valamo Monastery.
