Voices of Earth

The guiding light of Audite’s 30th anniversary year (2022–2023) was to prompt reflection on our collective responsibility for one another and our shared environment. The anniversary year was patronized by Maria Ohisalo, the then Minister of the Environment and Climate. The six compositions on the album approach the theme of nature and current environmental crises—climate change and biodiversity loss—through the lens of art, offering fresh perspectives and evoking fundamental questions.

The repertoire is closely linked to the choir's own exceptional creative resources, as this a cappella program extensively features works by composers who sing within or collaborate closely with the ensemble.

• Matthew Whittall’s The Geography of Hope is based on the letters of American environmentalist Wallace Stegner, which address the intrinsic value of wilderness and the imperative of its protection. The musical tone of the piece is predominantly luminous and optimistic.

• Anna Huuskonen’s Consider the Sea juxtaposes excerpts from Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick with a modern, invisible danger: microplastics in our oceans. The text incorporates scientific research detailing the threats posed by plastics to marine mammals.

• Markku Klami’s into the deep peace, based on texts by John Muir, is a tribute to the grandeur of nature. It depicts the ancient temples of giant trees, exuding a sense of timelessness and peace far removed from mundane life.

• Jani Sivén’s work The Earth does not belong to man takes a powerful stance on the relationship between humanity and nature, using historical texts by two Native American leaders, Chief John Hollow Horn Bear and Chief Seattle.

• Finn Shields’ Kun tulet vihreään (When You Come into the Green) interprets Erja Tulasalo’s vivid and ambitious poem. The piece employs visual imagery of nature and explores the multimodal semiotics of words and sound.

• Alex Freeman’s Light is set to a poem by Rob Hardy, written the day after the 2016 US presidential election. The work calls for resilience, evolving from a serene, atmospheric opening toward a brilliant, ecstatic energy.

About the Performers

Audite Chamber Choir is a Helsinki-based chamber choir whose singers comprise music professionals, music students, and experienced choral vocalists. Conductor Jani Sivén founded the ensemble in 1992 and led it with distinction until 2025, when Tatu Erkkilä assumed the role of the choir’s new artistic director. Audite is renowned for its high-profile performances and stylistic versatility, and in addition to its active concert presence in Finland, the choir has toured extensively on international stages.