Mixed Voice Finnish Ensemble

Based in Bellevue, WA

The Finnish Choral Society is one of the few choirs, which still preserves traditional Finnish language choir music in the USA. The roots date back to 1964, when a choir named "Kaleva Korus" was started The choir eventually merged with the West Coast Singers' Seattle Chapter in the mid 1970's. The name Finnish Choral Society was established around 1980. Earlier choir directors have included Eric Salo, Sirkka Wilson, Florence Mesler, Karen Ingalls, Milo Fryling and Maarit Vaga with accompaniment provided by the noted Finnish-American composer and pianist John Sundsten. Maria Mannisto, MM, then directed the choir for 12 years. The choir is now directed by Dr. Heather McLaughlin-Garbes and MM Maria Mannisto. The choir specializes in Finnish choral music, reflecting the commitment to keep Finnish choral music alive and make it known. The choir performs at numerous Finnish and Scandinavian community events, including the Finnish Independence Day celebration, the Yulefest at the Nordic Heritage Museum, the Finland Summer Festival, Scandinavian Heritage Choir Festivals, at retirement homes, etc. Since 1976 the choir maintains the annual Kalevala Day Festival, which in 2017 was celebrated at the Nordic Heritage Museum for the 41st time.

Contact Finnish Choral Society of Seattle