Classical & Choral

Despite the fact that Finnish classical music has only existed for little over a century, Finland has a lively classical music scene, with numerous fine concert halls throughout the country, most notably Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall in Helsinki. There are 15 professional orchestras listed as members in the Association of Finnish Symphony Orchestras, and another 13 semi-professional and chamber orchestras. Finland is also famed for its conductors, such as Mikko Franck, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Susanna Mälkki, Leif Segerstam and Sakari Oramo OBE.

There are almost 3,000 choirs in Finland, including the award-winning Tapiola, Rajaton, Musica, Jubilate, and Philomela Female choirs, not to mention the famous Mieskuoro Huutajat, or Screaming Men. Throughout the country there are regular choral performances, and Finland hosts numerous festivals of choral music annually.