Yona X Saimaa: Solovey

This summer, the Samppalinna Summer Theatre will experience a moment that combines the power of music, the longing for peace and the connection between cultures in a unique way. The Saimaa Ensemble led by Matti Mikkola, the soulful Yona and the Vantaa Orchestra join forces in a concert experience that highlights the Ukrainian musical heritage and sends a powerful message for justice and fair peace.

The album, to be released this autumn, will feature Saimaa and Yona interpreting Ukrainian songs translated into Finnish by Yona. The first single “Laula mulle laulu”, to be released on 9 May 2025, is based on Okean Elzy’s touching song Obijmy, which has become a symbol of Ukrainian perseverance in the wake of the Russian invasion. Yona’s sensitive and hopeful English translation takes the listener through emotions – from love to sadness and from the will to fight to hope: “Even though the war is over, the struggle still goes on / Even though there is peace, I will not have peace.”

In the beautiful summer evening at Samppalinna, Saimaa, Yona and the Vantaa Orchestra bring Ukrainian tunes to life in a way that moves and moves. The evening’s repertoire ranges from anti-war songs to Yona’s and Saimaa’s own beloved tunes, as a large orchestra and a captivating soloist create a common tune that carries the Ukrainian story to Finland – and vice versa.

The concert is part of Mikko-Pekka Hanski Solovey Productions’ unique project to build bridges between cultures and convey the Ukrainian voice to Finns.

This concert is not only music and an experience, but also a tribute to Ukrainian culture and a call for peace.