Vigilia

The Swedish-language Vigil originated in 2018, when Mikko Sidoroff won the Bel Canto choir’s composition competition in Pietarsaari with two pieces. This success led to a follow-up commission, for which Sidoroff composed three Swedish-language songs based on the Vigil (Tre Heliga Hymner), including the Vigil’s Introductory Psalm 104, the Evening Hymn, and the Troparion to the Mother of God (Virgin Mother of God, Hail Mary).

It has become a tradition for Mikko Sidoroff to compose a larger piece for the Krysostomos Chamber Choir in connection with its anniversary celebrations, and as the 20th anniversary approached, Sidoroff decided to expand these three songs into a complete Vigil. This resulted in what is believed to be the first Vigil composed entirely in Swedish, representing a significant opening in the expression of Orthodox church music toward the other national language.

The work combines previously composed sections with new pieces, and its texts are based on both the 2000 Bible translation and the the text translation prepared by Father Mikael Sundkvist’s working group. Stylistically, the Vigil is a quite natural continuation of how Sidoroff has been composing in recent years, and everyone can judge for themselves to what extent it is Orthodox church music or vocal music composed in the Orthodox spirit. The work has many tonal fields against which melodies or countermelodies are reflected. Sidoroff has refrained from the most modern means of compositional effect, which may also enable some parts to be sung in church services.

The production was supported by major cultural institutions, including the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland, the Sibelius Fund of the Society of Finnish Composers and the Orthodox Church of Finland. Vigilia is also a tribute to the Krysostomos Chamber Choir and its long-standing work, which has inspired Sidoroff both as a composer and as a choirmaster.

Mikko Sidoroff is a Finnish choirmaster, composer and choir pedagogue who has lived in Germany since 2016. At the age of 17, he composed his first large-scale choral work, Panihida (2003), around which the Krysostomos Chamber Choir was formed and has since established itself as one of Finland’s most significant choirs. For two decades, Sidoroff and Krysostomos have premiered new Orthodox church music, including the works Suuri paasto (2013) and Vigilia (2023).

The Krysostomos Chamber Choir is a high-quality and open-minded Orthodox mixed choir. Founded in 2003, the choir operates nationwide and rehearses periodically under the direction of Master of Music Mikko Sidoroff. Krysostomos specializes in performing new Finnish Orthodox church music and premieres new compositions every year.