Susan's Writings

SUSAN FOURTANÉ
HELSINKI TIMES

The world is rapidly evolving. In an era of social networking, environmental changes, massive overflow of information, people are constantly challenged to use and adapt to their surroundings in myriad new ways.

The visions of the spatial design degree students of the University of Art and Design Helsinki clearly expose ideas which concern real innovations in the city space. Can they succeed in inspiring public interest in developing their own city?

The exhibition What if . . .?, supported by The University of Art and Design Helsinki, Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Oy and the Korean Student Association showcases some responses to this challenge.

Dylan Kwon, for example, outlines a strategy for reinvigorating older areas of downtown Helsinki by introducing small green space into urban courtyards to support a new sustainable lifestyle. In Dong Uk Lee’s vision, Hakaniemi Market Square would evolve into a futuristic urban space promoting social life in innovative ways.

What if . . . ?
Narinkka 2, Helsinki
Until 24 October
www.laituri.hel.fi

First published in the Helsinki Times on October 22nd, 2009.

By SUSAN FOURTANÉ
HELSINKI TIMES

A brave knight in heavy armor, Highland Scots and medieval castles is what
probably comes to our mind when we first hear of The School of European
Swordsmanship in Helsinki.

A brave knight in heavy armor, Highland Scots and medieval castles is what
probably comes to our mind when we first hear of The School of European
Swordsmanship in Helsinki.

GUY WINDSOR, author of The Swordsman’s Companion and The Duellist’s
Companion, founded the school in March 2001 under the principle that the
practice of historical martial arts is good for the mind, body and soul.
The success of the school and the fast increase in the number of students
in Helsinki gave rise to the opening of five branches in Finland and
sister schools in Sweden and Singapore. The school offers training and
research, hosts seminars by visiting instructors in western martial arts,
and presents free demonstrations.

Helsinki Times: What was it like to start this non-traditional kind of
business in Finland?
Guy Windsor: Lots of paper work and red tape. It happened that I was the
right kind of foreigner- Finns are used to importing specialists, so I got
the benefit of the doubt. It was relatively easy except for finding an
accountant who speaks English.
HT: How did the idea of starting a school in Helsinki develop?
GW: I was working as an antique restorater in Edinburgh, which was making
me miserable. I thought I had two options, either move to the United
States or stay. Then it hit me: move to Helsinki and open a school. So I
did.
HT: Are there different courses or there is only one type of course?
GW: After the beginners’ course, students usually continue with basic
training in medieval foot combat, before adding other stylesm such as
rapier.
HT: How long does it take to achieve a good level of practice?
GW: It depends on the student, and how much they practice. I’ve been
training since 1986, and still have a long way to go.
HT: What kind of background has someone who wants to learn
European Swordsmanship?
GW: We have different sorts of people, from tax experts to journalists and
history students, united by a common interest in swords.

The regular 90 minute practice with the longsword includes five basic
drills, taken from an Italian Swordsmanship Treatise from 1409, Fiore
battaglia by Fiore dei Liberi. The classes are usually of mixed levels,
where the more advanced help the others through their own experience. This
helps the seniors with their understanding of the material, and boosts the
beginners.
After the practice, I had a chance to speak with the students and learn
more about this fascinating discipline. Johanna Rytkönen told me she
enjoyed reading every fantasy book she could find in the library, so it
was easy to be lured by the magic of seeing herself mastering the sword.

HT: What motivated you to come to the school?
Johanna Rytkönen: When I was sixteen I saw a demo in a Middle Ages
Festival. That was six years ago. I joined the school and since then I’ve
been practising, with some breaks. Now I want to try back word, (a
one-hand sword). The practice gives me a secure feeling, something for not
being afraid when I walk alone in the dark streets.

The School of European Swordsmanship
Luiskatie 8, 00770 Helsinki
www.swordschool.com
Beginner’s course starts on 6 October

Published first in the Helsinki Times on October 1st, 2009
www.helsinkitimes.fi

Poetical words and musical notes come along with the colourful autumn leaves in Helsinki. Theatre director, writer and poet Joel Holmberg had a word with the Helsinki Times on this autumn’s Threats of Poetry & Jazz Issued.

Helsinki Times: What’s the story behind the theme?

Joel Holmberg: At our initial meeting, everything is read aloud for the first time. I, as the director, listen very carefully and choose the best things. I also time everything to see that it fits into a one hour programme. Then I, along with everyone else, try to see if there is a common theme – or at least something which can be nudged into the major theme. We sometimes come up with several suggestions, but often at least one of us, usually Zoë Chandler, hears a common theme. This time, Lives and Deaths came up after hearing everything.

HT: Are the poets/writers performing original pieces?

JH: An invitation is sent out via FinnBritPlayers for anyone who is interested in performing should come to that initial meeting. Original material is preferred, but also acceptable is material by other people with their specific consent, or works in the public domain. The latter usually means the author has been dead for at least 70 years.

HT: Tell us about the backstage of this already classic event.

JH: I began the series in 200l with 2 performances per year – spring and autumn. It was initially in Café Engel, but we have moved over to Arkadia International Bookshop. The performer is completely alone facing the audience on floor-level with no one to fill in any mistakes or blank moments. My job includes making sure people speak clearly and not too rapidly so that everyone can understand – this is very important since many of the audience are not native English language speakers. What is wonderful is the variety of poetry, stories or dialogues.
If a writer doesn’t have the confidence to perform, but would like his/her piece to be heard, then I must determine who would be willing to perform it. This time around there is a new person who has never performed, but has some lovely poems. Because she is a bright and positive person, I spent extra time coaching her performance.

HT: How does the clarinet music fit within the performances?

JH: The clarinettist, John Millar, has been a standby for many of the performances. He is a classically trained musician and excellent with improvisation. He creates the proper mood for each piece. His major job is to keep the flow of the program moving so that there are no blank spots. He also has a solo piece in the programme. A word about the word Jazz: It is an overall word encompassing many styles. For the most part it has not been the driving, heavily rhythmic type which is often associated with jazz. It is more like the music of one of my favourite jazz musicians, Errol Garner.

HT: How would you summarize the programme?

JH: All programmes have had a great deal of feeling, which can extend from gloomy to joyful and humorous. There are pieces which internalize and others which observe and experience that observation. The audience is always very attentive.

Threats of Poetry & Jazz Issued
17 & 24 Sept at 19:00
Arkadia International Bookshop
Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 9, Helsinki
www.arkadiabookshop.fi
www.finnbritplayers.com
Free entry

SUSAN FOURTANÉ – HELSINKI TIMES
Image – Susan Fourtané

First published in the Helsnki Times on September 24th

Dublin artist Alan Hogan draws inspiration from Finnish nature, its lush landscapes and the beauty of the different seasons to create colourful and memorable landscapes.

ALAN HOGAN has a permanent exhibition on display at The Art Garage in Karis/Karjaa, a mainly Swedish-speaking town one hour away from Helsinki. The gallery doors open to a world of vibrant colours and joyful scenes with a touch of sweet melancholy. Hogan warmly guides the visitors on a personal tour while explaining techniques and sources of inspiration, telling little stories about the paintings.

The art works are the result of an inner metamorphosis of emotions, transforming the negative that happens in the world into positive and beautiful as he explains: “I prefer to paint subjects that give people a little joy and hope”.

The acrylic and aquarelle on canvas are impressions of the artist’s life in Finland. Beautiful sunsets, dreamy summer nights, snowy landscapes and his beloved Finnish cat contrast with some abstract works representing themes like recession or his introspective synopsis of the future of his own art. “I will always aim to bring something positive to the world through my art”, admits the artist.

Hogan says that his style of paintings may change every now and then, simply because society and people change. “It is these changes that influence and inspire new ideas”, he concludes. The works have a positive effect in the viewer’s mood. It is a highly recommended open studio experience that allows a closer connection to the art through his creator.

The Art Garage
Open every Saturday
11:00 to 14:00
Åstorpsgatan 7, Karis
www.alanhogano.webs.com

Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times
Image: Snow Tango by Alan Hogan

Built in the mid-15th century, Espoo Church is the oldest existing building in Helsinki’s neighbouring city. The oldest parts date back to the 1480s. The medieval grey granite church hosts the Organ Night and Aria Festival, giving a perfect atmosphere to the programme that ranges from Baroque to 1960s gospel this year.

There is a special focus on organ music, which can be heard in several of the concerts. Finnish music is also well represented. The Tapiola Chamber Choir with soloists will perform Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Vigilia on 20 August, and Candomino choir’s repertoire includes choral music by Leevi Madetoja and Toivo Kuula, as well as Finnish folk songs. The main guest this year is soprano Camilla Nylund.

The Organ Night
and Aria Festival
Until 27 August

Espoo Cathedral
Concerts usually begin
at 22:00
Contact: 09 8674 4120
Programme and tickets:
www.urkuyofestival.fi

Organ Night and Aria
organises coach transport
for concertgoers after the
concerts, via South Espoo
to Helsinki.

Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times

The twenty-sixth season of the Festivo Music Festival will be held in the picturesque town of Rauma in August.

THE HISTORIC Old Rauma, founded in 1442 and selected a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, will receive world-renowned Finnish and international musicians in the first and second weeks of August.

This year, the Rauma Festivo offers a French theme due to a majority of French music composers like Mélanie Bonis, Francis Poulenc, Ernest Chausson and Camille Saint-Saéns. The festival offers 12 chamber music concerts at different venues in Rauma, the wooden church of Eurajoki and the Vuojoki mansion.

Artistic director and violinist Mark Gothoni, son of world-famous pianist and conductor Ralf Gothoni, will perform with the Mozart Piano Quartet this year. The Mozart Piano Quartet, one of the leading piano quartets in the world, has been invited to be ensemble-in-residence for the festival.

There will be a children’s concert on 4 August starting at 10 in the morning performed by students of the Music Institute of Rauma.

Café Sali, the festival’s cafeteria, offers visitors free entry to its music matinées performed by talented professional musicians. In August, just before the nights slowly turn us into having a more tranquil mood, listening to fine chamber music among the brightly painted wooden houses in Old Rauma sounds like a treat for the soul.

Rauma Festivo
3-9 August
Programme in English
www.raumanfestivo.fi

Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times
RAUMA FESTIVO 2009 -Image

The enchanting castle of Olavinlinna hosts national and international opera, a treat for true opera lovers.

The romantic medieval castle in Savonlinna has hosted unforgettable opera premieres since 1987. The guest for the Opera Festival season 2009 is the Teatro Massimo di Palermo, one of Italy’s leading opera houses.

The Italians bring three magnificent productions to Savonia. Pietro Mascagni’s 1890 one-act Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) is a tale of love betrayed, jealousy and revenge. Ruggero Leoncavallo’s 1892 work Pagliacci (Clowns) plays on the classic theme of a love triangle. The third opera, Vincenzo Bellini’s three-act I Puritani (The Puritans), premiered in 1835, will now be performed in Finland for the first time. It contains two simultaneous plots where the power of politics and love play important roles among the characters.

Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times
Timo Seppäläinen – Image

Savonlinna Opera festival
Until 1 August

I recently interviewed Karim Azriouli, a Finn who immigrated to Canada, where he already feels at home although he says missing summer nights in Finland, spending time in the summer cottage and of course sauna.

British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland: Helsinki and Montreal are quite different cities, starting from size for example, with all what that implies. What makes Montreal a good place to live?

Karim Azriouli: Diversity, lots of immigrants, different cultures and different nationalities sharing one city, that’s one thing I like most from Montreal.

BCCCF: You moved to Canada only knowing your girlfriend, without a job waiting for you. You moved to build up your career by yourself. How is it to be a foreigner starting from scratch in Canada?

KA: Bureaucracy is easier in Canada than in Finland. Finding a job is not easy without speaking French apart from English, of course it depends on the job too. I believe in being proactive. In most, if not all cases we are more used to move to other countries when we have a job in a company or a business opportunity already set but if we don’t have that, the initial step is far too big for most to take. Most immigrants here didn’t come with a business opportunity to begin with. They open their own business after and continue from there on. That makes a huge difference. Diversity, as I mentioned before, makes it more appealing for me personally as I come from a multicultural background myself. Besides being a citizen, how does nationality shape and define itself nowadays? Many people have more than one nationality or share a completely different culture and customs than which their nationality would initially suggest. Montreal is more diverse than most cities in Canada with an emerging number of immigrants. In this regard Montreal is naturally much more advanced than Helsinki for example, although in Finland we are seeing more people awaking the growing number of nationalities and cultures present.

BCCCF: What were you doing in Finland before moving to Montreal?

KA: I was working in the field of web analytics and Internet marketing – providing customers with analyzed marketing results. It was an Internet Marketing Consulting company. I was responsible for the sales and marketing of the company. We became quickly the fastest growing IT-company (Deloitte, Rising Star category) in Finland. It was my first job with a decent amount of responsibility, managing a sales unit consisting of 12 people. There were no restrictions, no limitations in how much I could influence and practice my experience as long as I could meet and exceed the expectations. It was a great experience. I wanted to continue and take the investment abroad but the company was not willing. The main reason was not being able to take the risk.

BCCCF: How do you see the opportunity of Finnish companies investing abroad and foreign capital coming to Finland? Let’s say, Canada and Finland working in cooperation?

KA: I see great potential in Finnish expertise. Finland has a high standard of know-how, even more so if you compare it on a global scale. Small companies usually stay small mainly because of their reluctance to grow into the international market, or rather, their reluctance to meet the challenges and demands when exploiting their investment to the fullest. Too often companies prefer to stay in their comfort zone. The Finnish way of doing business is repeatedly restricted by this mentality, often missing the opportunity or underestimating the potential of their investment. Because of this, when outside the boarders, the most commonly accepted answer and way of growing is by using solely local expertise instead of their own. This, on the other hand, makes Finland a great opportunity for foreign investors and partners. Ultimately, I see more opportunity of foreign capital coming to Finland than Finnish companies investing abroad. I am certain that the know-how and potential of the Finnish companies is competitive enough within the global market. Yet, I feel Finnish entrepreneurs should recognize even more the potential they have in their hands and be more aware and proactive in seeking opportunities. “We don’t want to grow too fast, we want to grow slow.” is a phrase used too often and inappropriate in the context whether international or local business in general.

BCCCF: Do you think Finnish companies are ready and willing to have a representation in Canada?

KA: Perhaps not acknowledged enough, there still is a huge demand for foreign expertise when it comes to taking Finnish companies abroad. There lies the mutual interest. I can’t see any reason why Canada would differ in this respect. Nokia is an often used example of a successful venture, a small company from a small country growing into a giant player and a global icon. Nokia is just one example and shouldn’t be left as the only one. Even if not the same kind of giant, there are constant opportunities for many other “Nokias” as long as we are able to grasp them.

Karim Azriouli can be contacted at karimazriouli@hotmail.com

Interview by Susan Fourtané for the British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland -
susan.fourtane@bcccf.fi
www.bcccf.fi

The interview was published first on July 14th, 2009 as part of the British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland’s Newsletter: http://www.bcccf.fi/newsletter/karim_azriouli.html

Espoo museum of Modern Art (EMMA) hosts an exhibition entitled A Look at the EMMA Collections: Treasure Islands and Daydreams until 6 September 2009. On show is a wide range of today’s art, reflecting how changes in society and in the concept of art have shaped the gallery’s acquisitions.

Emma’s own collection primarily comprises Finnish modern, post-war and contemporary art as well as a few international works, mainly by Nordic artists. The exhibition also features a history section, chronicling the collection’s development since the museum was founded.

The earliest work on view in the exhibition is Anna Sahlstein’s Mottagningstiden på sjukhuset ( ) from 1893. At the other end of the scale, Probe is a work created just this year by Mark Francis.

Ten sculptures from the Raimo Utriainen Collection on deposit with EMMA are on display. The sculptures, constructed from straight metal slats, are abstract works is created by combining straight and curved, transparent and solid surfaces.

The Osmo Valtonen Collection was donated to EMMA in 2008.Valtonen was a draughtsman and pioneer of kinetic light art. The exhibition features one sand-plotter and digger construction which ingenious structures create fascinating and constantly changing forms. Ten works from the collection of Kyösti Kakkonen, who owns one of Finland’s most important collections of glass and ceramics, represent the latest in international and Finnish contemporary art.

A Look at EMMA’s collections
until 6 September
EMMA-Espoo Museum
of Modern Art
Ahertajantie 5,
Tapiola, Espoo
Opens:
Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00
Admission: €10/€8

SUSAN FOURTANÉ – HT
Emma

Arkadia International Bookshop has been a part of Helsinki life since Ian Bourgeot opened its doors in March 2008; combining a rich variety of second-hand books with a gathering place to enjoy a show or discuss all sort of cultural topics in a friendly atmosphere.

WRITING developed between the 7th and the 4th millennium BC as the result of the desire of humans to create lasting records of the spoken word. Since then, ancient forms of books made of stone to wood, clay and wax tablets to papyrus and parchment began the book culture. It was not until the 15th century with the development of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg and his major work, the Gutenberg Bible, that the Age of the printed book started. In 1475,The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye, was the first book printed in the English language.

Arkadia’s bookshelves hold a comprehensive collection of books in English and other languages. Although most of the books are from the 20th century, the titles on the catalogue also include books dated from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Weekly free cultural evenings make of Arkadia a different and special bookshop. The events may include scholarly and book presentations, poetry and literature, plays, political debates or concerts enjoying a cup of green tea and a relaxed feeling.

The intellect and culture highly present in Helsinki, can certainly find in Arkadia the perfect place to reinforce the importance of the written word in our society. Technology and the Internet have brought to our lives e-books and audio-books which can be easily stored in our virtual library and yet, the feeling of holding a book while resting in our comfortable chair is a heart warming experience.

Arkadia Oy
International Bookshop
Pohjoinen Herperiankatu 9, Helsinki
Mon-Fri 12-20, Sat 10-18
Events : www.arkadiabookshop.fi/blog

SUSAN FOURTANÉ
HELSINKI TIMES