Raissa Katona BennettReeta Vestman Photo

From: Photo Flash: Johanna Telander's KALEVALA THE MUSICAL Concert

KALEVALA The Musical is a story of ancient legends told by the spirits of the haunted forest of Kalevala. The musical is adapted from materials of the national epic poem of Finland. Among others, the author of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit, J.R.R.Tolkien has acknowledged the direct influence of Kalevala in his works. The story has been set to an ethereal yet powerful pop, folk, and world music score written by Johanna Telander. The concert will feature performances from composer Johanna Telander, Raissa Katona Bennett (The Phantom of the Opera), Omer Shaish (Radio City Christmas Spectacular), and acclaimed Finnish actress Reeta Vestman, along with Mary Baron, Nicole Corris, Kelly Delaveris, Jennifer Hiemstra, Natsuko Hirano, Markus Kaitila, John Koski, Kristi Roosmaa, Catrina Teruel, and Amanda Yachechak. The band includes David Fletcher, Carol Ma, Arei Sekiguchi, and Christopher Telander, with musical direction by Sean Ferguson.