KALEVALA THE MUSICAL
Kalevala's Creative Team
New York-based production adapted from the national epic poem of Finland. The musical tells an enchanting story of the birth of Earth and battles between forces of nature through pop, folk, and rock-infused musical compositions.
The musical is written and composed by Johanna Telander.
Johanna Telander
Composer
I had a dream of a tree, a haunted, ancient tree whose leaves drizzled off one by one, shimmering gold in a deep sunset in late Fall. As I picked up it’s falling leaves, each leaf had words inscribed on its surface
Johanna Telander
Composer, Lyricist & Book
Johanna Telander is a decorated singer, composer, and lyricist, and the creative force behind Kalevala – The Musical. She currently splits her time creating music, continuing her prolific voice-over career (Volvo National), and parenting two delightful, energetic children with her husband.
With a Bachelor’s degree from Capital Conservatory of Music, and after a decades-long career as a singer, where she has had the privilege of working in such extraordinary settings as the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, the United Nations, The Lincoln Center, and The Bitter End, Johanna has diversified her skills and vocal style, drawing upon influences from jazz, pop, and folk, and now to the story-telling world of musical theatre.
Johanna left her homeland of Finland for the United States to pursue her dreams, despite a lucrative record deal with Universal Music and a hit song. In addition to her Bachelor's, she holds a performance degree from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In her side hustle as an actress, she has appeared in nearly fifty independent film projects (some of them featuring her original music). But, it is within the creative process of music where she feels most at home. Kalevala the Musical is her first large-scale musical production and, hopefully, the first of many to follow.
Kristi Roosmaa
Co-Producer of Kalevala the Musical Concept Album and Creative Team
Kristi Roosmaa is a New York based Estonian born actress, singer and producer. Most recently, she has been gaining attention for producing and starring in the heartfelt indie short film “Wildflower,” about a young immigrant pursuing her dreams. Kristi was honored when the film was recently selected by the New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) to screen as part of their immigrant stories series.
Her career highlights include performing as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, and appearing in numerous off-Broadway shows and indie films. She has collaborated with world- renowned Rolling Stones saxophonist Tim Ries, and performed in countless concert venues and projects with talented orchestras and musicians.
Kristi got her start at the age of 5 performing at a bakery and was immediately hooked. At the age of 14, she was a finalist at the wildly popular Estonian Television singing contest “Laulukarusell,” and had the honor of playing the lead in the René Eespere musical “Wild Swan.”
Kristi holds a law degree from Tartu University Institute of Law (Estonia), a diploma in performing arts from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York), and a dance certificate from the Broadway Dance Center (New York).
Kristi has received a letter of commendation from the Estonian Ministry of Culture for her contributions as a Cultural Affairs Coordinator in New York.
Quentin Garzon
Kalevala the Musical's Concept Album Lead Producer
Quentin Garzón is a first-generation Colombian actor, singer, and producer who most recently has produced over 30 videos virtually with Broadway performers Lindsay Heather Pearce, Ali Ewoldt, Thom Sesma, and Adam Jacobs to name a few. He has starred as Pilate in JCS at the Welk and Javert with Plan-B Entertainment and numerous off-Broadway and regional shows. Quentin’s goal as a producer is always to embrace diversity and Outside the Box casting. “I believe that this show has one of the best scores I’ve heard and a true potential to be the next big Broadway hit with a tremendous, diverse cast in league with Hadestown and Hamilton.”
Valev Laube
Creative Team
Valev Laube is an Estonian-born brand manager, artist, and designer currently based in New York. He's an enthusiastic creative mind whose digital designs have been the cornerstone of many New York-based festivals, events, and company brands. His holistic understanding of multimedia projects and digital media are rooted in his passion as an artist, musician, and graphic designer.
He has worked with companies such as Marquee Brand Builders, InProximity Theatre Company, EstDocs Documentary Film Festival, Janet Gordon Style, Grapple Media, Sacatelle, and enjoys projects that challenge his creative thinking. During his work at Sacatelle, he worked on promotional projects for clients including Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.