The Anglo-Finnish Society

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  • Estonian and Finnish Decadence Launch of Volupté 9.1

    Estonian and Finnish Decadence
    Launch of Volupté 9.1

    Thursday, 22 October 2026,
    6.00-8.00 pm 

    Institute of English Studies
    Senate House
    Room 264

    Pen-and-ink drawing by the Estonian writer Friedebert Tuglas

    Join us for an evening of music and literature to celebrate the publication of Volupté: International Journal of Decadence Studies, 9.1 which is devoted to the  magical  and  mythic  realms  of Estonian  and  Finnish decadence where we encounter dark forests and deep lakes, symbolic of the darker and deeper emotional states of isolation, ecstasy, disgust, and despair. Old worlds are ambivalently and affectively tied to accelerated states of transition and change and are succeeded by new, young Nordic nations.  We explore  the  (Euro)peripheries  of  the  Baltic  and  Nordic  countries  and  the interconnections  between  fin-de-siècle  culture  and  nationalism  and  between  different  forms  of nationalism and decadent literature and art.

    Programme

    Solo Cello Improvisation by the artist Ramilda; panel discussion about Estonian and Finnish decadence panel with Mirjam Hinrikus, Riikka Rossi, Viola Parente-Čapková; poetry reading by Hasso Krull; and a classical saxophone performance of Jacob TV’s The Garden of Love, based on William Blake’s poem, by Uku Gross.

    This event is part of the BADS Jeudis series.

    Attendance is free but please register by clicking the link below.

    Senate House is in Bloomsbury, central London.

    Senate House
    Malet Street
    London
    WC1E 7HU
    United Kingdom

    Estonian and Finnish Decadence 22 October 2026 6-8pm — BADS

     

  • Talk by British Ambassador in Helsinki

    Laura Davies, the British Ambassador in Helsinki, will give a talk to the Society in the afternoon in London – further details to follow. 

  • NEW NORDIC VOICES – A CONTEMPORARY FILM FESTIVAL

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    NEW NORDIC VOICES – A CONTEMPORARY FILM FESTIVAL
    2 – 4 October 2026

    Location: University College London ( UCL) East Cinema, One Pool Street, Stratford,​ London E20 2AF

    Free screenings of 14 recent films from across the Nordic region all with English​subtitles. 

    The Festival

    As part of UCL’s 200th anniversary celebrations, the University’s Department of  Scandinavian Studies is organising a three-day festival celebrating the richness and diversity of​contemporary Nordic film. Over the course of the period from Friday 2 ​October to Sunday 4 October​2026, fourteen (14) recently​ – released films across the major languages of the Nordic region​ will be showcased. In addition to Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish, there​ will be films in Greenlandic, Faroese, Old Norse and the Sami language group.

    This unique festival is designed to promote the creativity of pan-Nordic ​filmmaking and​provide a platform for UK audiences to watch and appreciate Nordic film. Above is a flyer​ with the full film programme and timings of adjacent events.

    All films will be screened at UCL’s Community Cinema located on UCL East’s campus in​Stratford. The cinema is ultramodern, able to seat an audience of around 150 and with full​ sound and lighting facilities.

    The UCL East campus occupies part of the site used to host the 2012 Olympics. It is​therefore well connected to public transport with the campus being a 10–15-minute walk​from Stratford Main line and Underground station.

    The role of the Anglo-Finnish Society​ /​ Opportunities for members

    The A-FS has agreed to support this innovative festival as follows:

     Fallen Leaves. We are facilitating the screening of the Finnish language film, which​ will be Aki Kaurismäki’s romantic comedy Kuolleet Lehdet (Fallen Leaves). This​ film will be screened at 20.00 on Friday 2 October.

     Je​’vida. Although not finally confirmed, we will likely facilitate the screening of Je​’vida,​ a dramatic film about a Skolt Sami woman (called Je​’vida) who​ ​struggles with​ coming to terms with her painful past. It​ is the first full feature film made in the Skolt​ Sami language and will be screened at 16.30 on Saturday 3 October.

    To attend screenings, you must reserve tickets in advance. 

    The link to Eventbrite where you may reserve tickets is here: New Nordic Voices Film Festival (Public Admission) | Eventbrite

     

  • Finnish Christmas Lunch at the Finnish Church in London

    Christmas Lunch at the Finnish Church, 33 Albion Street, London, SE16 7HZ
    Friday, 11 December 2026 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.)

    We are once again holding our Christmas lunch at the Finnish Church in Rotherhithe, with a range of delicious Finnish Christmas dishes.

    Pre-lunch drinks and the sitting-down Christmas buffet will be held in the Church.

    To make this year’s occasion as festive as last year, we are delighted that John Eady will again play both organ and piano. John is the organist at St Magnus the Martyr, London Bridge. His repertoire will include familiar seasonal songs, Finnish and British, so there will be plenty of opportunities for all members to join in the merriment.

    Drinks: The Church does not have a licence to serve alcohol. However, for the pre-lunch reception, the Society will provide sparkling wine, as well as soft alternatives. Please bring your own bottles of table wine.

    Booking link to follow shortly.

  • Sold out – ​Curated viewing of modern Finnish Graphic artwork at British​ Museum

    ​Curated viewing of modern Finnish Graphic artwork at British​ Museum:
    Friday​, 19 June 2026 at 2​ p​.m​.
    Address: Great Russell St​reet, London WC1B 3DG

    Background

    ​Jennifer (Jenny) Ramkalawon, curator of Western Modern and Contemporary​ Graphic at the British Museum spent five years searching f​or the best Nordic works​ of the 20th century. Her search resulted in the acquisition of 400​ graphic works for​ the British Museum; this, along with Jenny’s post, was funded by the AKO​ Foundation, a philanthropic organisation founded by a Norwegian multi-millionaire​ fund manager.

    To quote from the Financial Times’ interview with Jenny in Oct​ober 2025, she “discovered a broad but largely unknown field that touches on the region’s social​ democratic ethos as well as its monumental landscape, a terrain of forests, jagged​ shores and crepuscular valleys that aligns perfectly with the grooves and grain of​ etchings and woodcuts”.

    The result of her “voyage of discovery” was an exhibition of some 150 of the 400​ collected works by 100 artists drawn from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and​ Iceland at the British Museum between Oct​ober 2025 and Mar​ch 2026.

    The exhibition has now been dismantled, but Jenny has offered the A-FS a curated​ tour of Finnish works which are held in the onsite archive at the Museum.

    Registration

    SOLD OUT – but you can join the waiting list

    Sold out – ​Curated viewing of modern Finnish Graphic artwork at British​ Museum – The British Museum

    ​There is a maximum group size of 15 people for this tour, so if you are interested, we​ urge you to register early. Places will be offered on a first come basis.

    Meeting Point at British Museum

    Details of entry to the British Museum (which is free) and meeting point will be​ emailed to those who are signed up for the tour.

  • Kaija Saariaho & Amin Maalouf: Adriana Mater

    Kaija Saariaho & Amin Maalouf
    Adriana Mater
    28 Nov – 12 Dec 2026
    London Coliseum

    Like father, like son…?

    In a world shaped by war, Kaija Saariaho’s opera, Adriana Mater finds hope where it seems impossible. Powerful and rarely staged, this ENO debut unites Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and Music Director Designate André de Ridder in their first collaboration.

    Book your tickets for Adriana Mater, an opera that will stay with you long after the curtain falls, live at the London Coliseum in 2026.

    Overview

    Amid a brutal civil war, Adriana becomes pregnant following a violent assault by a soldier. She chooses to give birth to the child she conceives, naming her son Yonas and raising him with love and hope for the future, whilst shielding him from the truth about his father. Many years later the young man discovers the truth of his origin, and becomes consumed by the desire for revenge.

    In a gripping climax, Adriana tries to convince Yonas that true strength lies in mercy, not murder. And that, only by breaking the male cycle of violence, will they, and their country, truly be healed.

    Righting the wrongs of Tosca, Adriana Mater forms the second half of a bold narrative arc contributing to a season that brings stories of resistance, resilience, hope and what it means to be free.

    Experience Adriana Mater as a stand-alone story, or paired with Tosca as the second half of a bold narrative arc contributing to a season that brings stories of resistance, resilience, hope and what it means to be free.

    Staging and score

    Adriana Mater picks up where Tosca left off, returning to the concert hall which we now find is a field hospital in post-war turmoil, where the women and mothers, like Adriana, that are left to pick up the pieces.

    Kaija Saariaho was named ‘Greatest living composer’ in a 2019 BBC Music Magazine poll. Since her death in 2023, she has continued to be one of the most influential voices in contemporary classical music of the last half-century.

    This opera is a collaboration between Saariaho and the writer and war correspondent Amin Maalouf, inspired by his experiences and Saariaho’s reflections on motherhood. Her pioneering music often blends electronics with live instruments to create a distinctive, shimmering sound world. It will be performed in a new, specially commissioned English translation by the composer’s son, writer-director Aleksi Barrière.

    Singers and creatives

    Conducted by ENO Music Director Designate André de Ridder and directed by Annilese Miskimmon in their first collaboration.

    The title role will be performed by Kristina Stanek, making her ENO debut. Caspar Singh returns to sing Adriana’s son, Yonas, following his stand-out performance in ENO’s 2025 production of Albert Herring. Widely praised for his performance in The Rhinegold, ENO favourite Leigh Melrose sings the role of the militia leader, Tsargo and Lauren Fagan makes her company debut as Refka.

    Credits:
    Adriana Mater
    Music by Kaija Saariaho
    Libretto by Amin Maalouf
    English Translation by Aleksi Barrière

    For more information and tickets please see: 

    Adriana Mater

  • 22 May 2026 post-performance Q&A organised by AFS – The Inheritors – by Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company at The Hope Theatre

    ​Play: The Inheritors – by Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company
    The Hope Theatre, The Hope and Anchor​, 207 Upper Street, London, N1 1RL
    19th – 23rd May ​at 7​ p​.m​. with 22nd May recommended
    Running time 70 minutes​: no interval

    The Play

    Following a successful run in Helsinki in 2025, Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company​ transferred their inaugural production to London.​ The Inheritors is a contemporary three-hander that explores the messy terrain of familial​ legacy, guilt, and the burdens inherited from parents. When three siblings reunite at the​ family Mökki to divide up their father’s estate, long-buried tensions resurface….. and what​ begins as a practical discussion turns into a reckoning with the past.

    About Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company

    Founded in 2024, Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company is an international, English-speaking theatre company based in Helsinki. The Company creates productions and​ workshops of new work and established plays. With its own productions, of which The​ Inheritors is its first, the Company seeks to be thought-provoking with themes that reflect the​ diverse voices and lived experiences of modern Finland. It aims to provide a platform for​ both local and international artists to collaborate.​

    By offering high-quality theatre in English, the Company is opening the doors of Finnish​ theatre to new audiences. It also runs acting classes for professional actors and amateurs​ who have an interest in learning. Whether it’s through performances, artist workshops, or​ community outreach, the Company is committed to expanding the theatrical landscape in​ Helsinki.

    About the playwright​ -​ Ally Manson

    Ally Manson is a UK- trained actor, with many acting and directing credits in UK theatre, film​ and TV, who is married to a Finn and is now living and working in Helsinki. He is the Artistic​ Director of Helsinki Contemporary Theatre Company and is behind its formation in 2024.​ And as a playwright, The Inheritors is his debut play.

    Ally is an engaging character and has an interesting story. This might be the first play by an​ Englishman written and set in Finland and then brought to London. If you book tickets for the​ performance on Friday 22nd May you will have a chance to meet him; Ally has agreed to do a​ talk and Q&A for our members (and their guests) at the end of the performance (about 8.15​ p​.m​.).

    Tickets

    The play runs for 5 nights from 19 to 23 May. Follow this link to book tickets:​

    The Inheritors at The Hope Theatre event tickets from TicketSource

    Full price tickets are £18.00 plus a £1.40 booking fee; Concession tickets are £16.00 plus a​ booking fee of £1.25. Concession tickets are for those who are 60+, students or theatre​ student members.

    We hope you have the opportunity to see the play on any of the dates, but encourage you to​ come on 22 May if you can ​to meet Ally Manson. If you do book tickets for 22 May, please​ could you also notify ​me by email the Hon. Secretary on secretary@anglofinnishsociety.org.uk ​so we know the names and numbers​ for meeting Ally.

    Finally, we urge you not to delay booking. The seating capacity in the theatre is limited to 55.

  • Nordic Blue: Annimaria Rinne, Tero Saarti and David Gordon Trio

    Nordic Blue: Annimaria Rinne, Tero Saarti and David Gordon Trio
    Bushey and Oxhey Methodist Church, Oxhey, WD19 4DA
    Saturday 11th April 2026 7:30PM – 8:45PM

    Finnish jazz music of the highest quality

    Annimaria Rinne (voice) and Tero Saarti (trumpet), two of Finland’s leading musicians are joined by a trio headed by David Gordon in their ‘Nordic Blue’ set, featuring original compositions including David’s ‘Greenland’, Annimaria’s entrancing vocal storytelling in Finnish and Swedish, and Tero’s essential, understated and distinctively Nordic trumpet-playing.

    Annimaria, ‘like a Finnish Norma Winstone’ (606 Club) crosses effortlessly between genres and is equally at home in jazz, classical and folkloric music. Her album Jälkeenpäin (2018) received critical acclaim for its poetic qualities, her consummate vocal performance and for combining strings and jazz instruments in masterful settings.

    For more than 30 years Tero, the funkiest trumpeter in Finland, has been a member of the Finnish big band UMO, in addition to long associations with various small groups in Finland and beyond, including with some of the great Finnish jazz musicians. The cool intensity of his thoughtful, lyrical playing is always a delight to hear.

    With the UK-based David Gordon (piano), Oxhey Sounds favourite Tom Hooper (drums) and Charlie Pyne (bass).

    Drinks and nibbles are included in the ticket price and will be served before the concert. Doors open at 7pm.

    To book: Nordic Blue: Annimaria Rinne, Tero Saarti and David Gordon Trio at Bushey and Oxhey Methodist Church event tickets from TicketSource

     

  • Nordic Blue: Annimaria Rinne, Tero Saarti & the David Gordon Trio

    Monday 6th April 2026 – 8:00 pm

    606 Club, 90 Lots Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0QD

    Music Charge: £18.00

    Two of Finland’s leading musicians, vocalist Annimaria Rinne and trumpeter Tero Saarti, are joined by UK pianist David Gordon and his Trio! The programme, titled Nordic Blue’, features original compositions including David’s ‘Greenland’, Annimaria’s vocal storytelling in Finnish and Swedish, and Tero’s essential, understated and distinctively Nordic trumpet-playing.

    Evoking comparisons to Norma Winstone, Annimaria crosses effortlessly between genres and is equally at home in jazz, classical and folkloric music. Her album “Jälkeenpäin” (2018) received critical acclaim for its poetic qualities, consummate vocal performance and masterful arrangements using both strings and jazz instrumentation. For more than 30 years Tero has been a member of UMO, the Finnish big band, in addition to long associations with various small groups in Finland and beyond. The cool intensity of his thoughtful, lyrical playing is always a delight to hear.

    Well known to UK audiences, pianist David Gordon is “a richly gifted player with a sparkling style and boundless imagination” (Independent). His album with his Trio, ‘Alexander Scriabin’s Ragtime Band’ was named MOJO’s Jazz CD of the Year and subsequent releases such as the album “Pachyderm” and live record “In C” have all been received with similar warmth & enthusiasm. The combination of these outstanding musicians, coupled with this unique programme promises to make for an intriguing and delightful evening.

    “…one of our most brilliant pianists … festival organisers both classical and jazz should be grabbing these guys with both hands” London Jazz News

    To book: Nordic Blue: Annimaria Rinne, Tero Saarti & the David Gordon Trio

  • Voices from Finland – London Philharmonic Orchestra

    Wednesday, 25 Mar 2026, 7.30pm

    London, Royal Festival Hall

    Tickets £7 – £60

    The music:

    Lotta Wennäkoski Zelo (world premiere)* (20′)
    Sibelius Kullervo (70’)

    The performers

    Robin Ticciati conductor
    Miina-Liisa Värelä soprano
    Shenyang bass-baritone
    YL Male Voice Choir
    This is Sibelius in the raw.

    Every story has to start somewhere, and in this remarkable choral symphony the young Sibelius retells Finland’s most ancient poem, the Kalevala. This is Sibelius in the raw: the tragedy of a young hero and a love more terrible than war, told in music of operatic power. So gather round as Robin Ticciati, a full chorus and two star singers retell the story tonight. Lotta Wennäkoski – one of modern Finland’s most original young voices – has something new to add, too.

    *Commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra

    To book tickets and for more information:

    Voices from Finland – London Philharmonic Orchestra