The members of the Saana Ensemble never knew one another when they lived in Finland. It took moving to Minnesota for the five women to find and befriend one another.
According to Saana Ensemble's website, the women had spent "many years sweating at sauna parties" when "they finally decided in 2005 to combine their diverse musical talents to perform Finnish music to audiences in the United States, and to stay connected to their Finnish roots."
The name "Saana" comes from a fell, or mountain-like feature, in Enontekiö in the north of Finland. Saana is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers, and as any good Finn (or Finnish descendant, or appreciator) knows, "Saana" and "sauna" are not pronounced the same way.
The five members of Saana Ensemble — Sari Rönnholm, Elina Kala, Ulla Tervo-Desnick, Eeva Savolainen and Elina Koivusaari — perform a range of music, from hymns to folk songs and dance tunes, all sung in Finnish. They combine singing with other instruments, including guitar, piano, accordion, clarinet and percussion.
Ahead of their performance at the MPR booth at the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, Sept. 1, we got in touch with Saana Ensemble's Eeva Savolainen. She shared some thoughts about the upcoming performance and about the State Fair.
What are some of the group's favorite State Fair food items?
That's a tough one as each of us is always — or is trying to be — on a diet on a rotating basis … but walleye on a stick. And donuts.
What is a must-see State Fair exhibit for you?
Ulla and I can't miss the horse barn and that crazy rider — we can't remember his name!
Which music performances do you like to see at the Fair?
We love the free stages and being surprised by all the different types of performers when walking by. We might make a point to catch St. Mary's Balalaika Band at the International Bazaar stage.
This is your first time performing at the MPR booth at the State Fair; what are you most looking forward to about your upcoming performance?
The live interaction between our music and the fairgoers. That's a new combo!
Saana Ensemble perform on Monday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m., at the MPR booth near the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair. Classical MPR's Bill Morelock hosts.
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