Maestro Stephen Mulligan's Story of Sibelius, courtesy of GPB and Sarah Zaslaw
Dear Ms. Turgeon,
Your students who performed at the recent VHCA board meeting were terrific, especially realizing the school year has just begun and the limited time you’ve had to meld new with old. Nonetheless, as a group they were fabulous and put on a terrific performance.
You mentioned they’re working hard toward playing “Finlandia" in an upcoming show. I imagine you’re aware of the significance of that piece back-in-the-day when it was the champion march for many years as the Finnish sought independence amid the Russian revolution — The song played many times under pseudo-titles which kept the movement alive.
My grandfather Carletto (Carlo) Franzoni ran fine hotels in Europe and the US at the time. One of his hobbies was collecting autographs of famous musicians who were invited to play in the hotel’s bar or lobby. They usually would give him a signature along with a short musical score. Five of those keepsakes I have framed at home. One is Jean Sibelius’ “Finlandia"… Mr. Sibelius visited his Hotel La Palma in Capri on April 15, 1926 during Sibelius’ depression/ramp-down years., at the time my grand dad was the general manager.
I thought you’d get a kick out of this attachment/autograph in Jean Sibelius’ handwriting. Thanks again for the terrific performance and your focus on the children — it’s appreciated, and was noticed.
Chip Franzoni
Dear Mr. Franzoni,
I am so touched by your thoughtful note, and the beautiful story about your grandfather and Sibelius! What an absolute treasure you have!
With regards to Finlandia, in advance of our trip to hear the Atlanta Symphony in October, the students have been studying about all of the music they will hear, and the story about Sibelius and his musical resistance to Russia has really caught their imaginations, and of course the melody will be one that they will treasure for their whole lives.
I have a Sibelius story that I have told the students about, but not as personal as yours: In 2011 I was a leader on a choir tour with Atlanta Young Singers (a local children's choir) through Finland on our way to Estonia for a singing festival. Each year on the Baltic states hold a celebration to remember The Singing Revolution, a musical uprising in the that happened in the late 80s early 90s, again in resistance to Soviet control. While in Finland our first stop was at the Memorial monument in Sibelius's honor, and later we toured Sibelius's home, and we even had the chance to sit in his composition room in Ainola.
I think it is important for students to know the context of the music we sing and study, and the way that music can shape community and create a sense of pride and unity even under duress. I cannot wait to share your story with my students!
Again, I am grateful for your willingness to take the time to share your story and your photos. What a lovely thing to do! And thank you for your kind words about my students. They really are a terrific bunch!
I have a blog for our class information for my school community, and I also communicate on other social media for school. Do you mind if I share your story and your photos?
Warmest regards,
Brianne Turgeon, Music/Chorus Teacher
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| Ainola, Sibelius's home |
