Miero
Värttinä
46065 Real World

They are Finland’s most beloved musical export, deeply rooted in Finnish language, culture, and history — who, for over two decades, have crafted a totally unique sound that’s enlisted legions of devoted fans worldwide. Their success has been enduring, but Värttinä’s finest album and Real World debut comes at a time when the eyes and ears of the world will be on the group as never before — for their part in the groundbreaking stage production of The Lord Of The Rings.

For MIERO (“Outcast”), singers Mari Kaasinen, Susan Aho, and Johanna Virtanen collaborated with producer Aija Puurtinen, one of Finland's most respected female singers and musical innovators, to create this most exciting album in the band’s 23-year history. Never before has Värttinä sounded so crisp and powerful, the harmonies so clear, the solos so pure. And never before have they had the platform for visibility that LOTR will afford them.

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The release of MIERO coincides with the Toronto premiere of The Lord Of The Rings — the most expensive theatrical production ever undertaken — which prominently features music co-composed by Värttinä, Indian composer A.R. Rahman, and music supervisor Chris Nightingale. The first night of LOTR previews will be February 2 at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, with an Opening Gala set for March 23. The London production will open in Fall 2006, with the Broadway debut planned for the following year.