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Rajaton!
Rajaton

Left to Right:  Ahti Paunu, baritone;  Essi Wuorela, soprano;  Jussi Chydenius, bass;  Hannu Lepola, tenor;  Virpi Moskari, soprano;  Soila Sariola, alto

The Finnish word Rajaton translates as "boundless" – a word that so accurately describes the way this six voice a cappella ensemble approaches music. Regularly performing over 100 concerts and workshops each year, Rajaton exposes audiences to the kind of diversity of repertoire, singing style, and stage presentation that has made them a phenomenon on the world stage.

Performing at concert halls, churches, jazz and choral festivals, this distinct group of musicians approach all styles of music with the same level of commitment and integrity, making it difficult to imagine an audience that Rajaton could not inspire, or a type of music Rajaton could not make it’s own.

In their native Finland, Rajaton are a bona fide pop phenomenon, successfully bridging the gap that often exists between classical and mainstream convention. In 2003, the group rose to number 2 on the charts with their album Joulu ("Christmas"). Building on the momentum of this mainstream success, in 2006, the group recorded Rajaton sings ABBA with Lahti Symphony Orchestra, an album which topped the charts in Finland and sold platinum in a month. In 2007 Rajaton celebrated 10 years of music making with one double platinum, two platinum and five gold records in Finland to their credit.

Deeply connected to their Finnish heritage, the group returned to their choral/cultural roots with their album ‘Maa’ (2007), again selling gold shortly after the release. Like most of their repertoire, this album featured original music written by members of the group. Immediately following it’s release, the album garnered Top World Folk Album of the year as well as Top World Folksong Of The Year, by Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA), securing Rajaton’s place among the world’s leading a cappella ensembles. Collaborations with Symphony orchestras in Finland, Europe and North America have been successful, including also a Queen program" that was recorded on an album in 2008. Ever seeking new artistic challenges, the group has grown immeasurably through collaborations with other a cappella artists, including The King’s Singers and The Real Group, as well as productions with film directors and choreographers.

But it is perhaps their deep passion for choral art, their generosity of spirit and their sheer enjoyment of singing that has won the hearts and acclaim of audiences and critics everywhere. Their energy – infectious; their ability to entertain and inspire - Rajaton!

The voice is boundless.

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