Nominated for Thalia-Award, Theater Info Finland, 2025
Nominated for Composer-of-the-Year Award for Large-Scale Works, Finnish Music Publisher’s Association, 2024
LIBRETTO
Tommi Kinnunen, in Finnish
CAST
Man – Baritone
Woman – Actress
INSTRUMENTATION
pno / 1 perc: vibraphone, snare drum / 2 violins, viola, cello
DURATION
ca. 60′
COMMISSIONER
Saaristo-ooppera
PUBLISHER
PROGRAMME NOTE
Ihminen parhaan kykynsä mukaan – A Human to the best of my ability is the story of a man and a woman, but without the traditional romance. It is a story about the courage it takes to be yourself. The events take place inside a young soldier’s head, trapped in an encirclement. Journeying through difficult memories and uncertain thoughts, he is supported by a woman, who is more than a friend.
PERFORMANCES
20-22 NOVEMBER 2025 (3 performances)
Waltteri Torikka (baritone), Pihla Penttinen (actress), players TBA, led by Marko Hilpo (piano/conductor)
Alminsali, Finnish National Opera & Ballet, Finland
20-21 MARCH 2025 (2 performances)
Waltteri Torikka (baritone), Pihla Penttinen (actress), players of Oulu Philharmonic, led by Marko Hilpo (piano/conductor)
Oulun Kaupunginteatteri, Finland
12-13 SEPTEMBER 2024 (2 performances)
Waltteri Torikka (baritone), Pihla Penttinen (actress), players of Turku Philharmonic, led by Marko Hilpo (piano/conductor)
Turun Kaupunginteatteri, Finland
02-27 APRIL 2024 (11 performances) (✦ World premiere)
Waltteri Torikka (baritone), Pihla Penttinen (actress), players of Turku Philharmonic, led by Marko Hilpo (piano/conductor)
Turun Kaupunginteatteri, Finland
RECORDING ▶
REVIEWS
…excitingly ambiguous and enigmatic… The ensemble also leans toward delicate lyricism, and the chimes of the metallophone create a magical atmosphere.
– Hannu-Ilari Lampila – Helsingin Sanomat (2025)
The delicate sonic explorations tickle the ear, particularly in the opera’s quieter passages… Delving deeper into the emotions, the opera begins to find truly touching qualities.
– Lauri Mäntysaari – Turun Sanomat (2024)
With powerful sonic imagery, Joe Järventausta’s music supports the poetic dialogue of this two-person opera… Järventausta’s music provides a clear map for the story… The expression is unique and interesting, and the control of tonal colors is strong.
– Anne Välinoro –Kulttuuritoimitus (2025)
In this new chamber opera, Joel Järventausta balances pragmatism and idealism with optimal results. The opera is unlikely to be his last...
– Wilhelm Kvist – Hufvudstadsbladet (2024)
JOEL JÄRVENTAUSTA 