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The Helsinginkatu Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a special concert at the Helsinki Music Centre on 24 May.
Around 200 performers will take part in the event, including the orchestra, two choirs, and four professional soloists. The programme will feature Einojuhani Rautavaara’s “Cantus Arcticus” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, commonly known for its final movement “Ode to Joy”.
Founded in 1945 as an orchestra club at Helsinki’s adult education institute, the group has grown into a full symphony orchestra with about 100 members annually. It performs four programmes each year and often collaborates with leading Finnish choirs and soloists.
The anniversary concert marks the orchestra’s first appearance at the prestigious Musiikkitalo venue. Conducted by artistic director Veli-Antti Koivuranta, the ensemble will be joined by the Helsinki Philharmonic Choir, Kallio Cantata Choir, and soloists Silja Aalto, Maiju Vaahtoluoto, Tuomas Miettola, and Timo Riihonen. Choir training is led by Tommi Niskala, and Laura Lintula serves as concertmaster.
Koivuranta, who has directed the group since 2003, said the orchestra has rehearsed extensively. “We’ve prepared with a skilled and motivated team. I can trust that what I indicate with the baton will happen,” he said.
Founded just after the Second World War, the orchestra emerged during a time when many symphonic groups were being created globally. “People needed something to bring balance and joy,” Koivuranta said. “Now, again, we want to provide a sense of well-being through shared music-making.”
Violinist Kristiina Miettinen has played with the orchestra for more than 25 years. She described the music as a way to disconnect from a demanding day job. “Playing clears the mind, it demands so much focus there’s no room for a shopping list in your head.”
The social aspect also matters. Weekly Tuesday rehearsals and occasional Saturday sessions bring the musicians together, regardless of background. “We don’t know each other’s jobs, it doesn’t matter. What counts is the shared purpose.”
The concert is expected to be one of the most significant in the group’s history. Miettinen noted that Beethoven’s Ninth is especially demanding for second violin. “There’s a lot of playing. The sound will be big. The feeling on stage will be powerful.”
The orchestra welcomes new players through auditions held every autumn and spring. Participants must have some musical background, but even those returning after a long break are encouraged to apply. “Skills come back, like riding a bike,” Miettinen said.
Tickets are available via the Helsinki Music Centre’s website, box office, and phone service.
HT
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