Rekilaulu (beautiful & hilarious folk songs) – Virtual Singing Workshop

Rekisongs are a beautiful, hilarious kind of Finnish folk song. They were popular all over Finland, especially in the 19th century Ostrobothnia. They were a creative outlet for the youth in particular. Rekisong is all about singing beautiful melodies and discovering rhymes. Often, the theme is love: from bitter heartbreak to everlasting bliss, they were the songs in the moment. A special subcategory of Rekisong is one where love and strife are about one’s place in the world: songs of emigration to the New World.

Students will sing rekisongs together and learn briefly about their history. On the second day the instructor will demonstrate how to write them – it’s easy! No knowledge of Finnish is required, but even a little familiarity with the language is helpful. Registration closes December 5 or when sold out.

Lotta Hagfors (Charlotta Hagfors) is a singer and a folk musician from Helsinki, Finland. After studying ethnomusicology at the University of Helsinki she started studying and exploring the world of folk song, composition, and improvisation at the Sibelius Academy. In 2017 she finished her Master’s degree in an international program, “Nordic Master in Folk Music”, which took place in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. She has performed all around the world with several bands and projects, with a notable excursion to classical music – with a musical saw. Her musical field of interest covers folk singing in all of its many forms, as well as vocal improvisation. Open mind and freedom are the things she most cherishes in all music. Her love of discovery and blending art forms has led her to perform and compose several theatre and dance productions. With a strong background in vocal ensembles, she has won competitions (International Competition for Acapella Groups, Tampereen Sävel 2017 with Ilo Ensemble) and written music for vocal groups too. Occasionally she works at the Finnish National Broadcasting Company YLE as a radio announcer.