25 Homes 2024

During his lifetime, Oskar Merikanto (1868–1924) was the most popular composer in Finnish homes. Even today, especially at weddings and funerals, his pieces are widely heard and performed. Merikanto was an excellent pianist and organist and possessed a particular gift for writing memorable melodies. Enjoying great popularity, he wrote over 200 songs, a number of duets, several choral works and nearly 200 piano works. To mark the 100th anniversary of Merikanto's death in 2024, Waltteri Torikka has recorded 29 of his songs. Torikka topped the Finnish pop charts for 3 weeks in 2018, performs frequently in European opera festivals and is a frequent visitor on Finland’s top television programmes.

Early in the holiday season, signs of Christmas begin to appear. Neighbors decorate their homes, stores display festive goods, and the radio sings of snowfall. In no time, holiday traditions commence. For decades, these family affairs have included gathering together to watch holiday-themed TV movies. The 1960s produced some of the most memorable Christmas specials and, to this day, major television networks broadcast these tried-and-true favorites.

Tales of the Glens is a journey through Ireland’s Glens of Antrim, as depicted in Anthony Capparelli’s piano album of compositions by Philip Hammond. Inspired by years of immersing himself in Celtic and Scandinavian traditions, Capparelli’s collection beautifully captures the essence of this picturesque region.