MONO is celebrating their music and legacy with an orchestral tour, joined by a chamber ensemble to perform the entirety of their new album, “Oath.” Despite the audience’s enthusiasm, it felt like there should have been a bigger crowd. Having this gig on Halloween night may not have been the most fortunate timing, as there were still many empty seats in Kulttuuritalo tonight, which doesn’t quite do justice to the band and all they’ve accomplished in their 25-year career.
Opening for the Japanese band was Italian/Finnish composer, producer, and, as we saw tonight, talented violinist ELIA LOMBARDINI. His compositions, paired with the somber tone of his solo performance—alone at the center-front of the stage, illuminated by the occasional spotlight—set the atmosphere beautifully for the main act. In the half-hour at his disposal, he delivered a memorable and impressive display of musicianship.
The classical undertone flowed naturally into MONO’s show, as the members of the accompanying orchestra took their places on stage first. The performance that followed was an auditory feast, skillfully complemented by lighting that harmoniously matched the music. Some younger members of the audience spent the entirety of the show dancing, carefree, at the back of their seating area, which speaks volumes about how captivating the performance was. The orchestral addition added a cinematic dimension to the music, particularly in this live setting, and it was impossible not to be moved by its beauty.
After performing “Oath,” the band received a well-deserved round of applause before taking a short break. They returned on their own to perform two pieces from their 15-year-old “Hymn to the Immortal Wind”—”Ashes in the Snow” and “Everlasting Light,” the latter dedicated to Steve Albini (who passed away from a heart attack a few months ago).
It was a night filled with emotion and beauty, the kind you’d expect from a band like MONO. The only unfortunate part was that much of the hall remained empty, but I’m certain that those who were present deeply appreciated the performance they witnessed. Check our photo gallery here…
ELIA LOMBARDINI
MONO
Photos by Marco Manzi
