Mistica
Olga Kolari |
What happens when the mythical past meets the future, technology, and its ethereal sounds? You'll find out at Wille on 26.9., when the local duo Mistica performs.
The kantele and the Celtic harp are, in their cultures, both legendary instruments of power. Their sound invites you into a mystical world, epic stories, and the quiet enchantment of rune-singers. What happens when the mythical past meets the future, technology, and its ethereal sounds?
From these elements, Mistica has emerged, performing at Wille Olohuone ja Keittiössä 26.9. It is a new project by Henry and Olga Kolari. Its purpose is to highlight both musicians' strengths: Henry's tremendous expertise as a composer and producer, and Olga's skill as a multi-instrumentalist.
The couple has gigged together a lot in different line-ups. The first experiments of combining electronic backings and the kantele were already performed at the 2013 Folklandia and at Kantelekilpailu. With extensive performance experience, the idea of their own sound world became clearer, and both the name and program line were found. Mistica's set began to take shape around medieval and Irish tunes, as the new band's first commissioned gigs were Irish Hooley and Ulvilan keskiaikamarkkinat. The intention, however, is not to limit themselves to those, but to create a versatile repertoire without genre boundaries. The concert program will include, among others, the piece Up the River, which Henry composed already at the age of 17, as well as 2Maanantai's Oot mulle juttu uus, arranged for Mistica. The unifying factor is a certain mystical atmosphere.
The duo charmed the audience at the Irish Holley event in Kalajoki. Before that there was a less official ”pre-party” on Markus's terrace, where the name Mistica was not yet used. The summer plans were originally bigger, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, Irish Hooley was the only survivor of Mistica's festival summer. It was a series of smaller events, each of which could be organized safely.
At Wille, a coffee concert can also be held safely by maintaining safe distances and hand hygiene. Wille is a familiar and favorite performance venue for Henry and Olga. Last year, they played there with the seven-member kantele ensemble Mielen Maisemat, and did a shoot for the Irish band Lyres of the Dunes.
When planning Mistica's concert in Äänekoski began, there was no need to think long about the right place. In acoustics and atmosphere, Wille is just right. For both musicians, playing relaxed coffee concerts feels meaningful. In them it's easier to connect with the audience, the mood is warm, and there's no need to be nervous. Although Mistica is not strictly a folk-music ensemble, lessons have been learned here, too, from the stories of old folk musicians. During the coffee concert at Wille, a delicious sweet waffle buffet is available for 12€. In addition, it is also possible to order à la carte dishes; a specialty is house-smoked salmon. Wille's surroundings, food, and music offer experiences for all the senses. The concert starts at 15:00, and the ticket price is 10 €. The event is child-friendly.
