Pyhäkoski is an experimental opera for saxophone quartet and electronics, presented as a site-specific experience at the Pyhäkoski hydropower plant. During a walking tour audience groups descend to the riverbed and then rise back to the surface. From the roar of the rapids and the sounds of the power plant’s machinery emerges music that gradually weaves into a narrative thread. In the depths of the river creature-like, glowing figures have taken up residence, singing with their saxophones.
The work is dedicated to the river and the life surrounding it, drawing inspiration from its multifaceted history.
Please read the audience guidelines below for more details.
A limited number of tickets are available for the performances, max. 20 tickets / performance.
Artists
Composition and saxophone — Anna-Sofia Anttonen
Composition and electronics — Tuukka Tervo
Dramaturgy — Jolien Van De Sande
Poems and production — Jenni Kinnunen
Performers — Saxtronauts: Anna-Sofia Anttonen, Nanna Ikonen, Nanako Lammi ja Sikri Lehko
Thanks for the support — Oulu2026 Foundation, The Finnish Culture Foundation, Arts Promotion Center Finland & Alfred Kordelin Foundation
Audience Guide
Arriving
The Pyhäkoski hydropower plant is situated at Leppiniementie 567, 91430 Muhos.
With your car
You can leave your car in either of the two parking lots, which are located on the south and north sides of the river. The distance from the parking lot on the south side of the river to the main entrance of the power plant is 200 metres and from the northern parking lot 350 metres.
With public transport
You can also arrive at the Pyhäkoski power plant by public transport, buses 40, 41 and 41K. The bus stop is called Leppiniemi E. The bus stop is a few hundred meters from the door of the power plant.
The tour starts in front of the main entrance of the power plant.
Practical matters
- The duration of the tour is 1.5 hours
- The tour is carried out in one group with two guides
- Minimum age for tour participants is 12 years
- The access to the restrooms is limited during the tour and they are not accessible
- Unfortunately, participation in the tour is not possible for people with pacemakers
About the content of the tour
Moving
- The tour is not accessible, i.e. It is not suitable for people using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids.
- The tour is physically challenging, as it involves a lot of walking and going up and down stairs due to height differences. Some of the stairs have no railings at all, and the views from the stairs are sometimes suddenly deepening and falling.
- The spaces are sometimes dim and cramped in places.
- During the tour, watch out for ropes or other objects or obstacles that may be lying on the floors. In addition, the surfaces can also be uneven.
Sounds
- During the tour, there is a continuous, steady, rumbling sound from the power plant. The thunder is also part of the work experienced during the tour, as the work utilises the power plant’s own soundscape.
- Earplugs are available before the loudest part of the tour, which is located in the machinery hall.
Other things to note during the tour
- Cell phone reception varies during the tour, but Bluetooth connections work
- The tour does not include flashing lights
- You can feel the shaking of the earth
- Indoor air quality varies; Some of the premises have dust and various strong smells
- Indoor temperature varies
- It is good to be prepared with your own water bottle, but we ask you to leave larger bags in the cloakroom for storage
- Clothes may get messy during the tour
- Equip yourself with shoes that are good for you to walk in
- A helmet and high-visibility vest will be worn on the tour, which will be distributed before the start of the tour
- It is not possible to sit down during the tour, with a couple of exceptions
- You cannot participate in the tour under the influence of alcohol
The event is subject to the principles of a safer space.
