Description
The Know Your Orchestra public series continues its 15‑year celebration in the autumn of 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 music in Finland reaches 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 established a network of city orchestras that still enriches the cultural life of even the smallest communities. Alongside them operate numerous freelance ensembles.
Finland’s Symphony Orchestras Association includes more than 30 professional orchestras with over 1 000 full‑time positions. There are also many amateur‑run orchestras, more than one might initially think! It is no exaggeration to estimate that the number of ensembles performing 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 the Know Your Orchestra events to learn more – and join the discussion! Introductory lecture notes on topics and speakers can be found on the series’ website at tuneorkesterisi.com.
Autumn 2026:
Land of Thousands of Orchestras!
Our Early Orchestras
Thursday 17 Sep 16:30–18:00 Paavo Hall
Guests: saxophonist and author Olli‑Pekka Tuomisalo and conductor/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 manager Jari Eskola and emerita executive director of the Finland Symphony Orchestras Association Aila Sauramo
Orchestras for Many Purposes
Thursday 10 Dec 16:30–18:00 Paavo Hall
Guest: chief conductor of the Finnish National Opera Dima Slobodeniouk (among others)
The joint Know Your Orchestra initiative of the Music House and the Academy of Fine Arts opens doors to the background of orchestral institutions, brings new perspectives and illuminates the secrets of collective 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.