Kallio Cantata Choir is the oldest still active parish choir in Helsinki. It was founded in 1911 by Prof. Ilmari Krohn, a composer and a well-known church musician. The first major performance was given at the dedication of Kallio church on Sept 1, 1912. The choir was registered as an association in 1966 and was renamed Cantata Choir in 1976. There have been five conductors since Prof. Krohn. The present conductor Kati Pirttimaa (from 2003) is a church musician and an organist.
The repertoire of Kallio Cantata Choir consists mainly of church music. The choir has performed smaller works and songs as well as cantatas, masses, oratorios and passions. In addition to several Sunday services and minor performances the choir has about ten concerts every year.
Kallio Cantata Choir was awarded for merit at the national church music festival in Turku 2001.
Excerpts of the repertoire:
Joseph Haydn: Grosse Orgelmesse
Joseph Haydn: The Mass in B flat
Joseph Haydn: Mass in Time of War
Alexandre Guilmant: Messe Solemnelle
Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla
Ariel Ramirez: Navidad Nuestra
G. F. H�ndel: Messiah
Reinhard Keiser: St. Mark Passion
Heinrich Sch�tz: St. John Passion
J.S. Bach: Magnificat
J.S. Bach: Jesu meine Freude
C.Ph.E. Bach: Magnificat
Recordings:
Kiit� Jeesusta (1975)
Riemuitkaa kaikki maa (1977)
Ylist�k�� Herraa h�nen huoneessaan! (1982)
Kirkkauteen (1996)
Pyh� y� (2001)
Passio Matteuksen ja Vanhan testamentin teksteihin (2004)
Concert tours:
Germany (1984)
Sweden (1986)
United Kingdom (1988)
Austria (1989)
Estonia (1995 and 1997)
Hungary (2000)
