“Six of the nine texts on the album are from the collection of poems 'Pisaroita Iholla' (1978). It was also the title of the collection of songs premiered in Rovaniemi on 19 December 2019 with the Lapland Chamber Orchestra conducted by John Storgårds. However, I wanted to name this record differently: “Selja”. This is because Sirkka Selja, who wrote these flowing poems may not be as well-known as Aila Meriluoto, Aale Tynni, Eila Kivikk ́aho or Kirsi Kunnas. The first time I read the poems, they began to live their musical life in my mind and the actual process of composing was easy. Annimaria Rinne, who encouraged me to make this a series of orchestral songs, interprets the songs brilliantly and Ville Herrala and Ville Pynssi bring a great, jazzy addition to the album with their contributions, both as soloists and as accompaniment.” Seppo Kantonen
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