The Haapavesi Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Timo Hannula and featuring Duo Lappalainen as soloists, will premiere a new orchestral composition by Sanna Ahvenjärvi and Tapio Lappalainen at Haapavesi Church on 26 June 2026.
Duo Lappalainen consists of siblings Emilia Lappalainen (viola) and Joonatan Lappalainen (percussion). The duo was selected to be featured in the Delta Life -documentary series, which follows the journeys of young artists from 2024 to 2026 as they prepare for the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture -year.
Whirling Energy was originally composed for viola and percussion. Duo Lappalainen gave the world premiere of the duo version on 26 September 2025 at the Arpa GRAZiosa Festival in Graz, Austria. Following this premiere, Ahvenjärvi and Lappalainen composed a piano part for the work while simultaneously developing its orchestral version. The piece is based on an eight-bar theme that functions as a recurring musical “power phrase.” As the composition unfolds, the melody is transformed in various ways. In the final section, the different variations sound simultaneously, creating a powerful and uplifting surge of energy.
The duo version of Whirling Energy will be performed on 3 July 2026 at the Sinettä Music Festival, interpreted by Emilia Lappalainen and Sakari Viitala. Duo Lappalainen will present the trio version of the work at the international ESTA Conference for String Players at the Sibelius Academy on 28 August 2026.
