VILDÁ. Photo by Joanna Suomalainen.
VILDÁ
Vancouver, British Columbia
Presented by
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Featured at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival on July 15, 16 and 17 are diverse musical groups from around the globe, including VILDÁ from Finland.
VILDÁ is an original blend of indigenous Sámi yoiks, grooving rhythms and improvisation. Inspiration has been sought from Sámi people’s strong connection to nature, present-day pop as well as the Finnish folk tradition. The result is a unique dialogue that takes the listener to a fascinating journey to the Sámi land – the vast landscapes under the arctic hills and frosty winds.
VILDÁ will perform in concert on Friday, July 15 at 3:50 pm and in a collaborative session on Saturday, July 16 with two other musical groups at 2:55 pm.
VILDÁ’s debut album Vildaluodda – Wildprint (2019, Bafe’s Factory) has garnered great reviews internationally and was singled out as one of the best albums of 2019 by Songlines Magazine. Since then, the band has toured in Scandinavia, Canada, Spain, the UK, France and Bulgaria.
Viivi Maria Saarenkylä is one of the most promising young Finnish accordionists. She has been awarded in many renowned competitions like Castelfidardo and Coupe Mondiale. Saarenkylä has performed internationally, and her many travels can be heard in the nuance of her music from different music cultures around the world.
Hildá Länsman was born in the small Sámi village of Ohcejohka in the northernmost municipality of Finland. Having grown up with reindeer husbandry, handicraft (duodji) and the joik (luohti) tradition, which spans several generations. Länsman connects her background with contemporary world music and academic studies.
