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 (1963–2024) – a respected spiritual teacher, translator and writer. Lampi will also present a short film about Sortavala, 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 had an impact on 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, whose repertoire features French influences and modern music. Blå is known for her nuanced sound and musicianship, which draws the listener into deep musical moods.

Riitta Lampi

Lampi appears in a segment where she talks about her sister, nun Kristoduli, and presents a short film. Kristoduli is known as a beloved spiritual teacher and translator, e.g. As a translator of the Philokalia.

Tickets

Tickets: €15, free for children under 7 years old.
Buy tickets from Valamo's online store and one hour before at the door.

The concert is organized by

ConAnima® Pro bono / Johanna Ruuth-Karvonen in cooperation with Valamo Monastery.