Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra has played a key role in Finnish musical life from the late 19th century, when it gave the premiere performances of the symphonies of Jean Sibelius, down to the present day. It was the first permanent orchestra in Scandinavia and has operated without a pause since its founding. The orchestra was founded in 1882 as the Helsinki Orchestral Society, with the support of prosperous Helsinki merchants. In 1914, it merged with the rival Helsinki Symphony Orchestra and took its present name. The orchestra's home base is the Helsinki Music Centre. T...