Mitämenoa

In the Shadow of Light - Saima Harmaja Expresses Herself

took place · 20 Aug 2026

Talvipuutarha, Helsinki

concert Other genres date culture
In the Shadow of Light - Saima Harmaja Expresses Herself — Talvipuutarha, Helsinki
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Description was written before the event

The concert is titled "In the Shadow of Light - Saima Harmaja Expresses Herself," a phrase fitting for an August evening as darkness falls. The programme brings together the exotic Katri Vala and the modern Edith Södergren through poetry, we hear the lyrical works of Uuno Kaila and journey with Saima Harmaja to the Shadow Forest or the Shore. We see a tear on Kaarlo Sarkia's cheek as he parts from us, and somewhere in a Sorrowful Garden Peipponen sings while we recognize the Blooming Land, even as the Day grows cool.

Beyond the sung lyrics, Päivi Istala, chair of the Saima Harmaja Society, recites Saima Harmaja's poems. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and lasts approximately one hour, perhaps a little longer.

Performing in the Winter Garden are Niilo Rantala (vocals, piano, compositions), Sampo Untamala (cello), Ilona Rantala (viola, vocals), Ella Saunders (violin, vocals), Saarni Mäntynen (vocals), Eero Eteläpää (guitar), and Sebastian Lehto (bass).

Members of the Saima Harmaja Society sell biographies by Ritva Ylönen at the entrance: Saima Harmaja - Poet of Hearts 1913-1937 (€20) and Laura Harmaja's biography With Reason and Feeling (€25).

Line-up

  • Niilo Rantala
  • Sampo Untamala
  • Ilona Rantala
  • Ella Saunders
  • Saarni Mäntynen
  • Eero Eteläpää
  • Sebastian Lehto
  • Päivi Istala