Description
The Know Your Orchestra public series continues its 15‑year celebration in the autumn season 2026 with the theme “Land of Thousands of Orchestras”. We dive into the history and present of symphony orchestras and symphonic music, from early amateur ensembles to city orchestras and today’s diverse orchestral offerings.
The history of symphony orchestras and symphonic music in Finland stretches back to the Swedish rule. Orchestral activity began in Turku in the 1770s and spread through Helsinki and Kuopio to the whole country. After World War II, the municipalisation of orchestras solidified a network of city orchestras that still enriches cultural life even in the smallest municipalities. Alongside them operate numerous freelance ensembles.
The Finnish Symphony Orchestras Association includes over 30 professional orchestras with more than 1 000 full‑time positions. There are also many amateur‑run orchestras in Finland, more than one might initially think! It is no exaggeration to estimate that the number of ensembles that have performed symphonic music has risen into the hundreds over the centuries – perhaps even thousands if all types of orchestral formations are counted.
Know Your Orchestra asks what kinds of orchestras exist, what work they do, and what it is like to work in them. Where did the enthusiasm for founding orchestras originally come from, and how have the conditions for orchestral activity changed over time? What does the future of orchestras and orchestral work look like today?
Welcome to Know Your Orchestra events to learn more – and to join the discussion! Preliminary information for lectures and guests can be found on the lecture series website at tuneorkesterisi.com
Autumn 2026:
Land of Thousands of Orchestras!
Early Orchestras
Thursday 17 Sep 16:30–18:00 Paavo Hall
Guests: saxophonist and author Olli‑Pekka Tuomisalo and conductor and music researcher Sasha Mäkilä
New Winds of Leadership
Thursday 15 Oct 16:30–18:00 Paavo Hall
Guest: cellist and conductor Tomas Djupsjöbacka, among others
City Orchestras and Finnish Musical Life
Thursday 12 Nov 16:30–18:00 Paavo Hall
Guests: Helsinki City Orchestra director Jari Eskola and Finnish Symphony Orchestras Association executive emerita Aila Sauramo
Orchestras Everywhere
Thursday 10 Dec 16:30–18:00 Paavo Hall
Guest: Finnish National Opera chief conductor Dima Slobodeniouk, among others
The joint Know Your Orchestra event by the Music House and the Academy of Fine Arts opens doors to the background of orchestral institutions, brings new perspectives and sheds light on the secrets of collective music‑making. The series invites conductors, composers, musicians, singers, directors, choreographers, educators and other experts as guests. Lectures are hosted by musician, pedagogue and journalist Ville Komppa.