VIENNA – At the Eurovision Song Contest, performers get a mere three minutes to wow the audience and judges alike. This year, the grand final is taking place in Vienna, where acts will compete one after another, making it essential for each artist to stand out both musically and visually.
One of the standout acts is the Finnish duo Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius. Their song “Liekinheitin,” or “Flamethrower,” is not only a catchy mix of pop and classical music but also features a dazzling stage performance involving flames, a precious 18th-century violin, and a crew of dedicated stagehands dubbed “ninjas” who help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Creating an unforgettable performance requires meticulous planning and creativity. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to bring this electrifying show to life.
Permission to Play
Parkkonen and Lampenius describe their unique sound as “new pop with a classical touch.” The duo’s song is a passionate dialogue, with Parkkonen’s powerful vocals complementing Lampenius’ fiery violin playing. Given the rules of Eurovision, securing permission for Lampenius to perform live was no small feat. Typically, lead vocals must be live, while instrumental parts are pre-recorded to keep the show moving quickly.
Lampenius insisted that the song was designed as a duet, requiring both performers to be live to capture its essence. “It’s a woman and a man, a female voice and a male voice. I express my lyrics through my violin, while you (Parkkonen) sing with words,” she explained. The final green light for their performance only came after a successful rehearsal in front of an audience.
According to the European Broadcasting Union, which oversees Eurovision, exceptions can be made for live audio capture of instruments when it’s artistically justified, which in this case, it clearly was.
Lampenius brought along two violins: her cherished Gagliano from 1781 for a live performance and a less valuable one as a backup in case she had to rely on playback due to staging risks.
Practice Makes Perfect
Since winning Finland’s national selection contest for Eurovision in February, the duo has been rehearsing nonstop. They’ve performed “Flamethrower” hundreds of times to ensure everything is flawless. The performance culminates in a thrilling moment where jets of flame erupt from the stage, while Lampenius, dressed in a flowing gown and using a leaf blower to enhance her performance, plays her violin.
While the excitement is palpable, Lampenius admits that it can be a little nerve-wracking. “It’s a bit scary when you think of it,” she said, acknowledging the risks involved with the flames. However, she has complete trust in her crew of “ninjas” who are responsible for keeping her dress safe from the fire and assisting her during the performance.
“They’re running with me – one person carries my dress while I run, and another catches me if I fall,” she shared, emphasizing the teamwork that goes into their act. In a stunning finale, Lampenius balances on chairs in high heels, holding her violin high, while Parkkonen simultaneously sings and acts as her safety net, ready to catch her if she loses her balance.
“That’s my job,” Parkkonen quipped, highlighting the importance of collaboration and trust in their electrifying performance.
