“Ráidu” is the result of a collaboration between Sámi musician and luohti artist Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, composer Jaime Belmonte, and the Earth Ears Ensemble. Together, they have crafted a unique musical language that merges the traditional and the avant-garde, paying homage to the Sámi culture and its extraordinary musical heritage.

This concert expands upon the original 15-minute composition commissioned by Hetta Music Days and premiered in April 2023, taking the audience on a mesmerizing journey that narrates the poignant story of stolen Sámi human remains. The music transport the listeners to the vast Arctic landscapes and evoke the spirits of the ancestors who bear witness to their stolen legacy.

What sets “Ráidu” apart is the fusion of musical styles and techniques. The work creates a new musical language that blends luohti with Western contemporary music. Integrating cutting-edge electronics further enriches the sonic palette, creating a truly immersive experience that defies genre boundaries.

This concert is a celebration of Sámi culture, a call for the decolonization of music creation, and a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. 

Performers

Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, luohti

Earth Ears Ensemble

• Livia Schweizer, flute

• Lucy Abrams-Husso, clarinet

• Anna-Maria Huohvanainen, violin

• Vuokko Lahtinen, viola

• Ida-Vilhelmiina Sinivalo, cello

• Helga Karen, piano

• Kalle Hakosalo, percussion

• Tuukka Tervo, electronics 

Further information: Anna Huuskonen, anna.huuskonen@uniarts.fi