Photo: Maarit Kytöharju
Live at Kontula Library in Helsinki: The Philharmonic at the Library: Melancholy
Thursday, 12 November 2026 at Kontula Library, Helsinki
About this event
The Philharmonic at the Library: Melancholy is scheduled for Thursday, 12 November 2026 at Kontula Library, Helsinki. You can go for free.
Two 20th-century composers, two string quartets that communicate the horrors of war.
Melancholy
Krista Rosenberg, violin
Elina Viitasaari, violin
Lotta Poijärvi, viola
Jaakko Rajamäki, cello
Samuel Barber: String Quartet No. 1, 2nd movement (Molto adagio)
Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C minor
Two 20th-century composers, two string quartets that communicate the horrors of war.
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Barber's musical language expresses inconsolable sadness in a haunting way, and the Adagio from his first string quartet was used brilliantly in the 1986 film Platoon. Based on director Oliver Stone's own experiences, the film depicts the horrors of the Vietnam War.
Shostakovich is said to have dedicated his 8th String Quartet to the memory of the victims of fascism and war. According to his son, he composed the quartet for all the victims of totalitarianism, while his daughter interpreted Shostakovich as dedicating the work to himself and said that the published dedication was dictated by the Soviet regime. The key of the piece, C minor, has always suggested tragedy. Regardless of whom Shostakovich dedicated his quartet to, the tragic atmosphere of the first and last movements is quite palpable.
The Philharmonic at the Library
Chamber music comes to Helsinki libraries as the The Philharmonic at the Library tour, organised jointly by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Helsinki City Library, begins on 2 November. The tour features 12 free concerts in libraries across Helsinki.
Event details
- Date
- Thursday, 12 November 2026
- Time
- 12:00 – 13:00 local time
- Venue
- Kontula Library
- Address
- Ostostie 4, 00940, Helsinki, Finland
- Price
- Free
- Category
- Concerts
Venue & getting there
Ostostie 4, 00940, Helsinki
Hotels near Kontula Library
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Your visit to Kontula Library
- Date
- Thursday, 12 November 2026
- Starts
- 12:00
- Staying nearby
- 1 hotel within walking distance; the closest is Innotelli (830 m)
Also at Kontula Library that week
Good to know
When is “The Philharmonic at the Library: Melancholy”?
The Philharmonic at the Library: Melancholy takes place on Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 12:00 local time.
Where is “The Philharmonic at the Library: Melancholy” held?
Venue: Kontula Library, Ostostie 4, 00940, Helsinki, Finland.
How much are tickets for “The Philharmonic at the Library: Melancholy”?
Entry is free. Some free events still require registration, so check the organiser's page before you go.
