The main elements of the profile are:
The Choir is subject of universal interest, not
only for its high standard, but also for its clear, distinctive
profile.
The main elements of the profile are:
The Choir emphasises both individuality and the singer's ability to blend with the other voices. The basic element is the young singer's own voice, moulded by the vernacular. The ideal sound is that of a stringed instrument: it is warm, light and translucent, the phrasing is musical and the singing gives the impression of being easy and effortless. But the ideal sound of the Choir is not just one closely-defined concept; it is a combination of different choral timbres and is always adapted to the music being performed.
The blending of vocal and instrumental music has from the very beginning been one of the guiding principles of the Tapiola Choir. Each of the singers entering the Choir either plays an instrument already or is encouraged to do so. These children in turn act as soloists or accompanists to the choir. The performances are further enhanced by the movement and dance.
Ever since the 1960s the Choir has been associating with many of Finland's leading composers. The result has been new repertoire of a high standard, free of all the mannerism of "songs for children". This collaboration has not been confined merely to premiering new works but has involved active participation in the process of composition.
To begin with the international dimension covered the repertoire only, but it has with time expanded into regular tours and connections to all parts of the music world.
Since winning the Silver Rose Bowl, the main prize in the prestigious BBC Let the Peoples Sing Competition in 1971, the Choir has been on almost 60 international concert tours, three of them round the world, taking in Europe, Israel, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. The choir sings in over 40 languages, since according to its principle, it always performs foreign songs in the original language.
The worldwide growth and strengthening of children's choir movement has created a growing need for education. This affects as well singers as conductors, and that's why Tapiola Choir is asked to give more and more workshops, seminars and demonstrations in addition to the concerts.
The conductor of the choir, Kari Ala-Pöllänen, and the founder of the choir, professor Erkki Pohjola give lectures in many countries every year, telling about the educational methods and training methods of Tapiola Choir. Tapiola Choir and Kari Ala-Pöllänen are in an essential role in the virtual school project of Finnish National Board of Education since 2001.
Ms Aino Aaltonen has published her thesis study "The Pedagogical Meaning of the Tapiola Choir between 1963-2003". The study (in finnish) and an abstract in english can be found through the following link: Master's Thesis