Hymy means smile in Finnish. The piece is a work for mixed choir. Smiling is an important part of human communication – through smiling we communicate many things. Most of meanings of smile are positive, we express for example gratitude and friendliness. Smiling is also an embodied act which affect the voice, the composition researches also how smiling affects singing.
The text in the work is a phrase that is according to different sources either an Arabic or Cuban proverb. The message is universal:
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”Elämä on kenties lyhyt, mutta hymyyn menee vain sekunti aikaa.”
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"Life may be short but a smile takes only a second."
The piece is a commission from Turku University Choir who premiered the piece in their 35-years anniversary concert.
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Performances:
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23.4.2022
Turku University Choir, conductor Anna Gallon
Turku / Turku Concert hall
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Composition of the piece supported by:
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Turku University Choir, The Arts Promotion Centre Finland