To open the concert, accordionist Mika Väyrynen performed the world premiere of a new work by Kirmo Lintinen called "Puuska". This new work was commissioned by Mika with funding provided by the Finnish Accordion Institute which is based in Ikaalinen, so it was only fitting that the premiere be done here.

For Mika Väyrynen, performing the entire Goldberg Variations by Bach is a monumental task. For the audience, it is truly a chance of a lifetime opportunity to hear this magnificent work, not only in its entirety, but also in the hands of such a respected artist.

With the genius of J. S. Bach's Goldberg Variations resonating in the walls of the Ikaalinen Church, Mika took the audience on a musical journey from the opening Aria through 30 variations and then some 70 minutes later, magically back to the Aria to deliver what can only be described as a musical masterpiece.

The fourth time Mika has performed this work in concert, he displayed all the elements of an artist equal to the best on any instrument. His technical capability, seemingly effortless and equal in both hands enabled the expert execution of the variations. With a commanding control of his Jupiter bayan and seasoned musical prowess, Mika treated the audience of over 250 people to a milestone performance.

The Goldberg variations was composed in 1741. A certain Count Carl von Keyserling, Russian Ambassador to the court of Saxony in Leipzig, suffered from insomnia. There was at the court a harpsichordist by the name of Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, one of whose duties was to help while away his master's sleepless hours by playing him music of a soothing and please nature.

This Goldberg was a pupil of Bach's. The Count thus hit upon the idea of requesting Bach to write a few pieces for his resident harpsichordist to play. Bach consented and carried out his request and some 250 years later, the Goldberg Variations live on.

Mika Väyrynen (pictured center with Festival Musical Director Kimmo Mattila left, and Professor Oleg Sharov from Russia right) was born October 7th, 1967 in Helsinki, Finland. He studied at the Tampere Conservatory, the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki) and Gustave Charpentier Conservatory (Paris, France.) He completed a Master's degree in 1992 and went on to complete his doctoral degree in 1997. 

Among his teachers have been Timo Kinnunen, Matti Rantanen and Max Bonnay. Masterclasses given by Professor Friedrich Lips have also had an important role in Mika artistic development over the years.

Mika's debut recital took place in Tampere, Finland 1985. Since then he has given hundreds of recitals all over the world including in Austria, Belgium, Ukraine, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden and the USA. He has appeared in venues such as the Salle Pleyel in Paris, Musashino Hall in Tokyo, Phoenix Hall in Osaka, Kiev Philharmony, The Gnessin Academy Hall in Moscow, De Ijsbreker in Amsterdam, Sibelius Academy, Tampere Hall and Sibelius Hall in Finland.

Mika has performed as a soloist with several orchestras including the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Okko Kamu and in the world-famous festivals including Lahti International Organ Festival, Kuhmo Chamber Music, Tuusula-lake Chamber Music, Korsholm Music Festival, Moscow Bayan Festival and the Beijing Accordion Festival. He has worked with many outstanding soloists, among them Jan-Erik Gustafsson, Yoko Hasegawa, Jorma Hynninen, Jaakko and Pekka Kuusisto and Vladimir Mendelssohn. Mika has also collaborated with important composers, whose works he has premiered including Jouni Kaipainen, Tuomas Kantelinen, Ilkka Kuusisto, Petri Makkonen, Matti Murto, Juhani Nuorvala, Bogdan Precz and Leif Segerstam.

To date, Mika Väyrynen has recorded thirteen CD's which include over 90 compositions. He has recorded on world famous labels such as Finlandia Records/Warner Classics, JVC Victor Japan, ALBA and Naxos. Since 1985 he has recorded regularly with the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE). 

Currently, in addition to teaching accordion at the Sibelius-Academy in Helsinki, Mika is concertizing around the world both as a soloist and as a guest artist with major orchestras.

Mika has recently recorded the Goldberg Variations work on the ALBA label (No. ABCD 191) and it has been met with excellent reviews. For more information, please visit: www.accordions.com/mika

After a preview of their energetic and contemporary style while performing a piece on the televised Golden Accordion Award the night before, the standing room only audience at the Oma Tupa was eagerly awaiting the Bryac Quartet's return, this time for an entire concert, and they were not disappointed!

Not your stereotypical Balalaika players, the energized group from Kiev proceeded to break the barriers of conformity, using the instruments as not many have seen them used before. Combined with the accordion it made for a spectacular show that had the audience asking for more at the end.

Top open the program, the Quartet played a piece called - 'I'm Sorry Mozart', then went on to perform a diverse selection of music such as Melody in a Jazz Style, The Smoke Detector, a Piazzolla Tango, their own version of Vivaldi's 4 Seasons, a poplar version of Titanic (Sergei is pictured above right as he does his 'Bow of the Ship' imitation) and Boney M songs plus much much more.

The four musicians including accordionist Sergei Trotsenko, and Balalaika players Igor Nerovnui, Jevgeni Kazantsantsev and Oleg Shaman displayed excellent ensemble work, an innovative and fresh style plus superb dynamic control. Their dazzling program destroys all Balalaika stereotypes as they perform rock, jazz, pop and folk in their own unique style which even includes choreography dance steps and a costume change.

Each of the musicians has a classical background, providing them with the outstanding technical ability which they harness into an exciting energy that keeps the audience excited.

Making their first appearance in Finland, the audience brought back the Bryac for several encores after a show full of excitement, fun and surprises.

Pictured after the concert from right to left are: Italian Journalist Vesa Matteo Piludu, Bryac leader and accordionist Sergei Trotsenko, group manager Olga Kholodova, and Balalaika players Oleg Shaman, Jevgeni Kazantsantsev and Igor Nerovnui.