Scientific article

UDK 929:78.075
pdf-version

Erik S. Shishkin
bachelor's degree, Petrozavodsk State University
(Petrozavosk, Russia),
erik.muzikko@gmail.com

The Composers' Union of the Karelian ASSR in the Speeches of Helmer Sinisalo

Scientific adviser:
Ivan V. Savitskiy
Reviewer:
Irina V. Shorokhova
Paper submitted on: 09/06/2026;
Accepted on: 09/28/2026;
Published online on: 09/28/2026.
 Abstract. This study examines the work of Helmer Sinisalo as head of the Union of Composers of Karelia, drawing on materials from his personal archive held at the National Archives of the Republic of Karelia. The paper outlines the key directions of his work and demonstrates how his administrative approach endured until the late 1970s. Furthermore, it highlights Sinisalo’s harsh criticism of the Karelian musical life — particularly concerning personnel matters, repertoire, and the activities of other creative unions. This critical stance underscores his ambition to assume a directive and censorial role within the cultural sphere for the sake of the development of Karelian national culture.
Keywords: Composers' Union of Karelia, Helmer Sinisalo, Karelian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Karelian ASSR, cultural leadership, cultural management

For citation: Shishkin, E. S. The Composers' Union of the Karelian ASSR in the Speeches of Helmer Sinisalo. StudArctic forum. 2026, 11 (3): 55–60.

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