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Olavi VirtaFinnish singer, composer and film actor
Date of Birth: 27.02.1915
Country:  Finland |
Content:
Early Life and Musical Roots
Olajvi Virta was born into a musical family in Finland, with a father who played the violin and a mother who played the mandolin. At the age of eight, he began taking piano lessons, and later mastered the violin, becoming a violinist in the Sörnáinen Chamber Orchestra.
Musical Career
During the 1930s, Virta played in the Dallapé Orchestra and sang in the army chorus "Karjalan Laulu." After World War II, he received vocal training from opera singer Torild Bröderman. From 1939 to 1966, Virta recorded an astonishing 600 songs, including 136 tangos, many of which became classics of the genre.
Tango Maestro
Virta's repertoire included numerous popular Finnish tango songs, such as "Punatukkaiselle tytölleni," "Ennen kuolemaa," "Täysikuu," and "Satumaa." His ability to combine classic tangos with modern arrangements made him a pioneer in Finnish tango.
Versatile Performer
Beyond tangos, Virta also performed Finnish hits ("iskelmä") and international pop songs translated into Finnish. His diverse repertoire included songs by renowned Finnish composers such as Reino Helismaa and Toivo Kärki, as well as English and Spanish songs.
Film and Stage
In addition to his musical career, Virta appeared in 14 films, often alongside famous actors like Tapio Rautavaara and Eesa Pakarinen. He also performed in the revue theater "Punainen mylly" in Helsinki.
Tragic End
In 1966, Virta suffered a stroke that ended his career prematurely. He spent his final years in poverty and succumbed to alcoholism six years later. A film titled "The Swan and the Wanderer" (1999) portrayed Virta's life and legacy.
