The Coffee Cantata

This year marks the 275th anniversary of the death of the great master of Baroque music, J. S. Bach. The Coffee Cantata is Bach’s comic mini-opera, composed in response to the wave of coffee hysteria that swept across Leipzig and all of Europe. Finns are known as some of the world’s most enthusiastic coffee drinkers, so the theme of this performance strikes straight at the heart of Finnish culture.

In the cantata, a beautiful and once obedient daughter, Lieschen, gets her first taste of coffee – and from that moment, she is hopelessly addicted to this delightful beverage. Her father, Schlendrian, is deeply worried and fears she’ll end up a spinster and a lifelong burden to him. He tries to scare his daughter with all kinds of threats, but she refuses to give up her coffee. Finally, Schlendrian sets out to find her a suitable husband. Lieschen, however, vows to marry only a man who promises to let her drink as much coffee as she wants. But where can such a groom be found – one who’s fine with his bride constantly sipping coffee?

In the Finnish-language version of the Coffee Cantata, the roles are performed by three opera singers: soprano Johanna Engelbarth, tenor Jasper Leppänen, and baritone Jyri Lahtinen. They are accompanied by the Baroque orchestra Ensemble Nylandia, composed of top-level musicians. The performance begins with a concert set by Ensemble Nylandia, featuring gems of the Baroque era from across Europe.

Cast:
Johanna Engelbarth, Jasper Leppänen & Jyri Lahtinen

Baroque Orchestra: Ensemble Nylandia
Ilkka Eronen – traverso and recorder
Kaisa Ruotsalainen – violin
Anna Pohjola – violin
Mari Viluksela – viola
Tatu Ahola – cello
Laura Ollberg-Ekman – harpsichord

Music: J. S. Bach

Translation and director: Reetta Ristimäki
Vocal Coaching: Matias Häkkinen
Costume Design: Marja Uusitalo
Choreography: Maria Hostikka
Makeup Design: Ari Haapaniemi
Graphic Design: Tanja Ahola

Production: Greta Productions

Tickets: €30 from Ticketmaster
(Ticket prices include a €2.00 service fee. Additional order fees may apply depending on the payment method. Delivery charges vary by method — eTickets are free. A separate €1.50 order fee is also applied.)
Tickets can also be purchased at the door one hour before the concert.

Program:

J. S. Bach (1685–1750):
Sonaatti huilulle ja continuolle C-duuri, BWV 1033
1. Andante – Presto
2. Allegro
3. Adagio
4. Menuetto 1&2

G.F. Händel (1685-1759)
Sonaatti F-duuri HWV 389, opus 2 nro 4
1. Larghetto
2. Allegro
3. Adagio
4. Allegro
5. Allegro

J.S. Bach Aria Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen BWV 51

(sov. Matias Häkkinen)

INTERMISSION

The Coffee Cantata