The program for the opening of the Olympic Games is a closely guarded secret, so the orchestra’s song selection and performance venue are surprises.
15:12•Updated 15:17
Paris Olympics on channels 26.7.–11.8. Go to the competition website here.
PARIS.
16-year-old Fredrika Mikkola studies violin at the Paris Conservatoire. He says that the invitation to the opening came unexpectedly.
– A mysterious announcement came through the conservatory, looking for musicians for a big production. I signed up and soon the news came that I had been selected for the opening of the Paris Olympics.
– It was a pretty incredible feeling when I heard what it was about. Such an experience only comes once in a lifetime, says Mikkola.
The opening program of the Olympics is a closely guarded secret, so the orchestra’s rehearsals have been kept hidden from view.
– Our choice of songs, performance outfits and performance venue are surprises. Rehearsals have been held at Disneyland in Paris, for example, because we were able to be there in peace, says Mikkola.
Even the performers have not been told about the course of the opening except their own part
The orchestra has practiced its part a few times along the Seine as well. Rehearsals have been held late at night and the players have had earplugs so that the music has not been revealed to passers-by.
– We have signed confidentiality agreements regarding the opening. The performers have not been told about the course of the evening other than their own part, says Mikkola.
The rain caused excitement during the day on Friday. Unstable weather has been promised for the evening, which would hinder the performance.
– I hope the rain stops before the evening. It would be a shame if not all parts could be managed as planned, says Mikkola.
The opening of the Paris Olympics has an audience of one billion. The opening ceremony is watched by 326,000 people in the official stands on the banks of the Seine, and the television broadcast is estimated to have more than 20 million viewers in France alone.
Mikkola has not heard that other Finns will perform at the opening.
According to information from the French media, a Finnish conductor will be seen at the opening Klaus Mäkelä. According to the radio channel Radio Classique, which focuses on classical music, Mäkelä conducts the Paris orchestra, which performs on an island in the Seine river.
Mikkola says that he cannot confirm anything regarding Mäkela. And how does he feel performing to an audience of billions?
– This has been an absolutely insane experience. The atmosphere is positively tense and everyone is excited to be a part of this great evening, Mikkola smiles.
‘s broadcast of the opening ceremony starts at 20:00.