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Created by Finnish composer-playwright Johanna Telander, Kalevala the Musical draws on folklore that has inspired fantasy writers from J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis, and transforms it into a modern narrative about creativity, identity, and the bond between humanity and nature. On April 22, 2025, an excerpt of this musical will be showcased at TRUE NORTH, giving New York audiences a tantalizing glimpse into a world where Nordic myth meets the magic of theater.
The Story and Vision
At its heart, Kalevala the Musical is a “letter written to humanity, signed by nature,” as Telander poetically describes it. The story follows two children who stumble upon an ancient artifact deep in the woods, unwittingly opening a portal to the long-forgotten realm of Kalevala. Guided by four Nature Spirits, the children embark on an epic adventure through the Kalevala’s runic verses. They encounter heroes and deities from Finnish lore – including Väinämöinen, a wise old bard whose singing has the power to shape reality – all of whom are in pursuit of the Sampo, a mysterious object said to bring prosperity. As the children become entangled in this mythic quest, they discover that their own creativity and courage are key to restoring balance to Kalevala’s world and their own. Through this journey, the musical explores universal themes: the importance of remembering one’s roots, the relationship between people and the natural environment, and the idea that stories and songs can literally save worlds. It’s an imaginative premise that honors the source material (the original Kalevala compiled by Elias Lönnrot in 1835) while also crafting a fresh, family-friendly narrative accessible to today’s audiences.
Johanna Telander’s vision for Kalevala the Musical marries these rich legends with an equally rich musical score. The compositions blend elements of traditional Finnish music – you might hear the lilting rhythm of a folk tune or the echo of a runic chant – with contemporary musical theater styling, including catchy melodies and grand choral arrangements. Telander, who grew up with the Kalevala stories, has stated that she wanted the show to feel like “Finland’s epic meets Lion King,” in terms of cultural depth meeting broad audience appeal. Since beginning development in 2018, the project has gained remarkable momentum. It has engaged over 200 artists from around the world, evolving through concert readings and workshops that have been praised by both expat Finns and musical theater aficionados. In New York City, songs from Kalevala have been performed at the United Nations and Scandinavia House, highlighting the work’s cultural diplomacy angle. Across the Atlantic in Helsinki, the musical’s concert version was staged at the Kapsäkki Theatre to enthusiastic local crowds. A milestone came in 2022 with the release of the original concept album, produced by Broadway veteran Quentin Garzon. The album features a roster of Broadway talent – including stars like Ramin Karimloo and Julia Murney – who lent their voices to bring Telander’s characters to life. This recording not only allowed Kalevala the Musical to reach a global audience (streaming on Spotify and earning fans from Europe to North America), but it also garnered industry attention, reportedly making it onto the GRAMMY Awards consideration list for that year. While the journey from concept album to a full stage production is ongoing, the creative team has its sights set high: the ultimate goal is to bring Kalevala the Musical to a major stage (Broadway is the dream) and share Finland’s epic tale with theatergoers everywhere.
TRUE NORTH Connection
At the TRUE NORTH event, Kalevala the Musical will come to life in an abridged form, offering a sneak peek at this work in progress. Attendees will witness a live theatrical performance – likely a selection of scenes or a medley of songs – performed by a talented ensemble of Nordic artists. Johanna Telander herself will be there, possibly narrating or providing context before the cast dives into the performance. Expect to be drawn into the story right away: one moment you might hear the innocent chatter of the two children as they explore the woods, and the next you’ll be immersed in a powerful chorus as the Nature Spirits make their entrance. The excerpt could include one of the show’s standout numbers, such as a rousing song by Väinämöinen invoking the elements with his legendary singing voice, or a haunting lullaby sung by a mother figure from the Kalevala lore. Even without full staging, the music and performances will spark the imagination – listeners will be able to envision the enchanted forest, the mythical creatures, and the dramatic stakes through the performers’ voices and expressions. This TRUE NORTH preview is also a homecoming of sorts: the New York Estonian House has hosted Kalevala readings before, and now, in the context of a broader Nordic arts festival, the piece will shine as a proud representation of Finnish culture. The inclusion of Kalevala the Musical in the lineup underscores the festival’s commitment to not just preserving tradition, but reinventing it. In an evening that spans from solo music acts to visual art displays, the musical’s excerpt will add a theatrical narrative thread, weaving the various art forms together in the spirit of storytelling. For many in the audience, this might be an introduction to the Kalevala saga; for others, a cherished tale seen in a new light. Either way, the performance is poised to be both entertaining and enlightening – a teaser that leaves the crowd curious to see the full production in the future.
Kalevala the Musical is more than just a show; it’s a cultural bridge connecting centuries-old Finnish folklore with today’s global arts scene. The chance to witness a piece of this production at TRUE NORTH is a special treat, highlighting the innovation and collaboration that Nordic artists are bringing to New York. If the snippet leaves you wanting more (and it surely will, given the epic scope), you’ll join a growing community of supporters following the musical’s journey to the big stage. In the meantime, the TRUE NORTH showcase on April 22, 2025 will satisfy some of that curiosity. Hosted at the New York Estonian House on Earth Day, the event promises an “immersive…celebration of Nordic and Baltic art” with Kalevala as a marquee component. To be part of this one-of-a-kind evening – and catch the magic of Kalevala before the wider world does – secure your tickets through the Nordic Artists of New York website. Come listen, imagine, and be transported by an age-old tale that’s never felt more alive.
