September 20: Medha Basu – Hindustani Music Workshop

In cooperation with Sanskriti Suomi, we are happy to organise a Hindustani Music Workshop with vocalist Medha Basu, a distinguished disciple of Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and a scholar at the Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata.

This immersive introduction to Indian classical music features two workshops for students of Indian music: one aimed at beginners and enthusiasts seeking a clear, structured entry point into the world of Indian melody, voice culture, and traditional compositions, and another for learners who already have a grounding in Indian classical music and wish to refine their understanding of Raaga structure, improvisation, and compositional depth.

13:00-14:30 – Beginners’ Session:

• Introduction to Indian music — foundational notes (swaras) and essential beginner practice materials
• Preparing the voice for singing — breathwork, tone development, and vocal warm‑ups rooted in classical training
• Basics of Indian classical music — explained through a guided Raaga‑based melody
• Learning compositions — a Bhajan, Bandish, or popular Raaga‑based compositions taught step‑by‑step

15:00-16:30 – Advanced Session:

• Exploring an Indian Classical Raaga — its defining character, note behaviour, and signature movements
• Approaching improvisation — how to begin shaping musical ideas within a Raaga
• Understanding vistaar, taan, and bol‑banāwa — key elements of classical development and expression
• Learning a Bandish in multiple Taalas — a composition taught across two or three rhythmic cycles

The combined package includes both the beginner and advanced sessions, offering a complete journey from foundational concepts to deeper classical exploration.

Date: 20 September 2026
Times: 13:00–14:30 (Beginner Session) & 15:00–16:30 (Advanced Session)
Price: 20€ (Beginners’ Session), 35€ (Advanced Session), 50€ (both sessions)
Location: ISM Seaside Studio, Ruoholahdenranta 1D, Helsinki 00180

Purchase tickets and register here.

October 23: Pop-Up Choir in Helsinki (round 3)!

Welcome to the third evening of our pop-up choir series! This stand-alone event is open to all singing enthusiasts, and participants will learn and perform a choral arrangement of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.”

The session is led by choir leader Myra Owens and is accompanied by a live musician. The goal is to work through the song’s harmonies together and conclude with a final informal performance within the gallery space.

Date: October 23, 17:30-19:00. Participants should arrive between 17:20-17:30.
Price: 10€ for a single ticket, or 8€ / each for two or more tickets, to cover the cost of the conductor + accompanist. Tickets must be purchased via Eventbrite.

Participation & Requirements
The event is open to people ages 16 and up. Previous choir and singing experience is helpful for following the harmonies, but the event is open to all skill levels. The teaching and song are in English.

Meet the conductor: Originally from Colorado, USA, Myra Owens is an international music teacher who has taught music and conducted choirs in North America, Asia, and Europe since 2008. She has toured with choirs since her youth and has worked as a choir and primary music teacher in both public and top-ranked private schools around the world. Myra holds a Masters Degree in Music Education from Colorado State University, where she also received her Kodaly certified teacher accreditation. Myra leads the International Children’s Choir at the International School of Music Finland.

Feedback from participants of our previous pop-up choir events:

• “The song choice was great…and Myra’s directing skills were excellent.”
• “It’s a low-commitment way to experience choir singing again, the warmup was fun, good vibes throughout, meeting lots of new people”
• “Nice atmosphere, brilliant teacher, much fun”

Note that photographs and videos will be taken during this event.

More info and registration