Evergreen School of Performing Arts

EGSPA focuses on the music education and appreciation for the arts through its Suzuki method of Violin, Cello and Piano instruction.

Evergreen School of Performing Arts strives to combine educational experience with music appreciation and performances through the discovery of music and the world around them. The students experience a cultural exchange through music, language and education resulting in music appreciation and an increase in awareness and respect of different cultures.

Evergreen School of Performing Arts is an independent nonprofit organization focusing on the music education and appreciation for the arts through its Suzuki Method of instruction of Violin, Cello and Piano. The school combines its individual and group instruction with dance and language education to create performances which promote an increasing exposure to and understanding of diverse cultural expressions.

The Evergreen School of Performing Arts was established in Northern Minnesota in 1984 by Helinä Leino-Pakola, educated at Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland.   The school moved to the Twin Cities area in 1996 and offers a full Suzuki program with individual and group lessons available, as well as preparatory lessons for chamber orchestra performances.  By utilizing the Suzuki method, students learn musical techniques which foster skill advancement and create an environment of fun in practicing and performance.  

The chamber orchestra “Singing Strings” is the performance branch of Evergreen School of Performing Arts.  It was created in 1984 by twin sisters Helinä Leino-Pakola, violinist (USA) and Hilpi Leino-Kantola, pianist (Finland). The goal of the “Singing Strings” is the cultural exchange through music, language and education with the desired result of an increase in awareness and respect for different cultures.  Through the years, the Singing Strings has developed into a highly professional and sophisticated group and has earned high praise:

• “Singing Strings has an artistically high caliber program and is a unique chamber group.  They are wonderful ambassadors for American Finnish music cultures.”  First Lady of Finland, Jenni Haukio.

 

• “The Singing Strings delightful brand of performance is highly appreciated and regarded.”  Osmo Vanska, Music Director, Minnesota Orchestra.

 

• “I have seldom heard so much joy in performance.” Isaac Stern, violinist.

 

From its inception, Director Pakola has combined key components of the Suzuki program with her own methods to enhance the development of a child’s formative years.  The Singing Strings performance group gives its members the opportunity to expand their musical repertoire, have unusual travel experience and share the joy of music with a variety of audiences.

Since 1984 they have performed in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Russia and Sweden.  They have performed at the White House for Bill and Hillary Clinton, a 4th of July Celebration at the US embassy in Finland, the opening ceremonies at Atlanta Olympics and twice at Walt Disney World in Florida.  Other appearances include major festivals in San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Marquette, and Seattle. 

In January of 2000 The Singing Strings were invited to be a part of the Minnesota Orchestra’s “Music from the Heartland” series featuring the music of Sibelius and Copland.  This honor included performances at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul and Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.  The summer of 2000 found The Singing Strings at GrandFest in Toronto and then on to their fourth concert tour of Finland.