FROZEN FLAMES
JÄISET LIEKIT
July 2, 2026
Tapiola Church – Kirkkopolku 6
Espoo – Uusimaa
The Helsinki Chamber Choir and soloists, under the musical direction of Nils Schweckendiek, with Valtteri Raekallio and Thomas Freundlich (stage direction and video design), will stage Launis’s last opera, Frozen Flames, to the public for the first time.
In this concert version, the choral and solo voices, the piano accompaniment, the visual elements, and Launis’ original ideas will be magnificently showcased, offering a unique experience.
In the opera, Septentrio, the twelve-year-old son of a Norse Viking chieftain, is taken prisoner by the Romans in Brittany. He dreams of returning to his native country, but unaccustomed to the southern climate, he falls ill and dies.
This story – reflecting Launis’s nostalgia for his northern homeland – his mature and rich musical language, form a fascinating work of art.
The opera is performed in French.
