Social programmes

Sight-Seeing Tour
Wednesday 10 September at 15-16.30
Departure and arrival at Finlandia Hall
(fee 25 EUR, included in the accompanying person’s fee)

Opening Ceremonies
Wednesday 10 September at 17.30-19.30
·    Welcome: Soili Kajaste
·    Presidential address: Jan van den Bout
·    Opening lecture: Paul Gilbert
·    Music: Jukka Perko Trio
·    Get-together-party
 (no fee)

City Reception
Thursday 11 September at 19-21
Reception is hosted by the City of Helsinki and will be held at the City Hall.
(no fee)

Congress-Dinner
Friday 12 September at 19.30-24
The congress dinner will be held on Suomenlinna Island the 250-year-old fortress, preserved intact because of its military use, and since 1991 on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Transports by boat. The number of seats is limited.
(Fee 80 EUR)

Tour to the original Finnish Sauna
Friday 12 September at 19-23
Enjoy a real Finnish smoke sauna and all the most typical and relaxing traditions after bathing with the company of your fellows. The tour will take you to a small lake some 20 km from Helsinki city centre. Smoke sauna has remained unchanged through centuries and is a one room log hut that houses an open rock stove and a raised platform. This is considered by the Finns unsurpassed even today . The fee includes travels, sauna, food and drinks. Do remember to take your swimming suit with you.

This tour will be organised only if a minimum of 25 persons sing-up.
(Fee 90 EUR)

Closing-Ceremonies
Saturday 13 September at 13-14.30 

(no fee)

Invitation to Helsinki-Choir
At the Closing Ceremony there will be a grand premiere of the EABCT 2008 Helsinki Choir by participants from all over the world. Would you like to join the choir? Welcome to sign up for it along the registration. There will be rehearsals on Thursday and Friday at 13.30-15.30 conducted by Ms Veera Railio.  

Don’t hesitate; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get on the stage and sing your heart out!

The lyrics and music you will find later here.