The Ballet Sibelius at the Finnish National Ballet is a story – and a great love story of a composer

Finnish National Ballet celebrates its centenary this year and the new commission, Sibelius, plays an important role. The significance of the composer and his works inspired Finnish choreographer, Jorma Elo, to celebrate his life. It introduces music important for Elo as for all the Finnish people, having Sibelius's music in their blood.

Elo is house choreographer for Boston Ballet, and known throughout the dance world, primarily for his more modern works. Lately, he has created story ballets, including his Alice in Wonderland here in Helsinki.

Elo has drawn on the Violin Concerto, the Fifth Symphony and the Finlandia hymn, all works important to him. When studying the life of Jean Sibelius, Elo was inspired by his creativity and his and vivid life, especially his relationship with Aino, a loving and forgiving wife who supported him throughout.

Elo understood that this would make a great love story as well. The life of Jean and Aino Sibelius is told chronologically, primarily choreographed in classical movements, combined with pure acting to take the drama further.

The passionate love of Jean and Aino and their stormy marriage are shown through the ballet. Jean is not an ideal husband, we see him celebrating in Vienna, where he is studying composition.

He neglects Aino, loses his money and is seduced by a singer, Pauline (Lucie Rákoshniková). Penitent, he writes to Aino and Elo chooses appropriate music for the Vienna scene, Richard Strauss's Rosecavallier. This scene is full of life and well danced by the corps.

Jean Sibelius is danced by Michal Krčmář, a true Jean, a person of some instability. At times, desperate in his composing, at others, a loving husband and father. Michal's jumps are extraordinary and he seems to have found new energy this spring. His partner at the premiere was Rebecca King, standing in for Violetta Keller. The two dancers started rehearsals together only one day before. Nevertheless, their dancing was excellent.

Aino is an unyielding character. She takes care of her family and fights if needed. She is the one to act when Jean needs help. A loving wife and mother, intensively characterized by Rebecca King. Her dancing is technically strong, showing elasticity when needed. The loss of Kirsti, their daughter who dies aged two, brings the couple together and makes compelling narrative.

The dance scenes have great flow and these scenes are interspersed by drama interludes that slow the pace and illustrate the narrative. It is a pleasure to see the moments of happiness of Jean and Aino, as they glide silkily, Rebecca on Michal's arms, separating and coming again together.

The company are excellent, both in the dance and the drama scenes, despite the challenges of these two forms. The space is used effectively and the men perform their jetes high and long. Salla Eerola provides a truly dramatic portrayal of Aino's sister, Elli, who is unstable and commits suicide after unsuccessful relationships.

Aino has flashbacks later on: Salla Eerola appears in despair. Sara Saviola makes a perfect figure of the maid Helmi. Samuli Poutanen also succeeds as a creditor. Lucas Jerkander as writer Juhani Aho, Elvis Nudo as composer Ferruccio Busoni, and many others paint plausible role characters.

One section with music of the Violin Concerto uses modern dance, showing the quality of the company in this genre. Lucie Rákoshniková, Hye Ji Kang, Miao Miao Liu, Nanny Hedberg, Jun Xia, Henry Grey, Tuukka Piitulainen an Luciano Ghidoli are all excellent and gained a storm of applause.

At the end of the ballet, the old Sibelius has a birthday party with guests, among them his five daughters and their partners. He suffers a heart attack and dies in the arms of Aino. She remembers their life together: short scenes of their happy days.

The orchestra plays confidently and with power. The violin solo by Jukka Merjanen, performed standing at the orchestra pit, and the Opera chorus were magnificent.

Anita Jokela
Helsinki