Classical music in the Helsinki metropolitan area
The music scene in the Helsinki metropolitan area is lively and full of variety.
Helsinki and its neighbouring cities have several orchestras, with a full concert calendar throughout the year. Many music festivals organised in the area every year add to the wide range of musical events.
The construction of the new Helsinki Music Centre commenced in 2007. Once completed, it will provide an excellent concert venue and facilities for classical music education. The Music Centre is scheduled to open in 2009.
Helsinki is home to the Finnish National Opera and a number of first-class symphony orchestras. Other orchestras and music are also well represented in Helsinki.
Many of the Helsinki-based orchestras are of significant international renown. For example, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, once Jean Sibelius's, Finland's national composer's own orchestra, is a leading performer of Sibelius's works and contemporary Finnish music.
The music productions in the Helsinki area often emphasise Finnish music and composers. The annual programme of the Finnish National Orchestra, for example, includes at least one world premiere of a Finnish opera. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra also gives prominence to Finnish music.
Finland's only music university, the Sibelius Academy, is located in Helsinki, and the University of Helsinki also provides higher-level education in music. Both universities have their own symphony orchestras and choirs, which give several concerts every year.
In addition to concerts, Helsinki is the location for several festivals. The best-known of these is the Helsinki Festival, a cultural festival organised in August-September, in which the music ranges from baroque to rock. Musica Nova, the international contemporary music festival, is organised every spring.
Links:
Helsinki Music Centre Finnish National Opera
Text: Mirja Mäenpää
Photo: Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra
