Suddenly Finnish
Suddenly Finnish is dedicated to performing the robust and touching music of Finnish heritage. The group combines voices, kantele and other instruments to sing the haunting melodies of Suomi. Suddenly Finnish has performed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., at the Institute on World Affairs in San Diego and at the Boise River Festival in Idaho. The group has also appeared at the annual FinnFests in Thousand Oaks and Seattle. In Seattle, Suddenly Finnish was voted one of the most popular performing groups. The members of Suddenly Finnish represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds. They come from countries such as China, Russia, Finland and USA. Finnish music unites these performers, thus the name Suddenly Finnish.
Suddenly Finnish performed last summer at KIHAUS, the second largest folk music festival of Finland. The Finnish media was very interested in this American group that sings in Finnish, although the only person who speaks the language is the director, Merja Soria, who is a native of Finland. Suddenly Finnish was featured on major TV stations, radio stations and in many newspapers. One of the newspapers, Karjalainen, wrote on July 5, 2001: Suddenly Finnish arrived in KIHAUS surrounded by a media storm. The main newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat and MTV3 were very interested in this American group. Helsingin Sanomat wrote on July 4: Soria herself is not really surprised at the enthusiasm for Finnish folk music among representatives of American and other nationalities..."when you value your own culture, others see that and become interested themselves." (Translation by Richard Impola, New World Finn)	July 4 2001: Suddenly Finnish performs live on Finnish TV.
Radio Aino of Yleisradio in Helsinki sent Ms. Soria a public email that was read in their morning show: "...it is wonderful that the musicians around the world are now taught to appreciate Finnish folk music. Let your kantele play beautifully and long. Let it tell everyone about this proud nation that lives in the North." The ensemble members- Director Merja Soria, Unison Goody, Matt Dorman, Douglas Lee and Anne Whattoff- are music students and faculty at San Diego State University. Finnish folk music is now a required course at the university. Soria also teaches it to non-music majors and the interest is so overwhelming that students have been turned away from some classes. Suddenly Finnish plans to continue performing here in the United States as well as abroad. If you would like to have more information or wish to become Suddenly Finnish, please contact Merja Soria at msoria@cox.net