The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) was founded in 1882 by Robert Kajanus - making it the first permanent symphony orchestra in the Nordic countries - and has performed without interruption for over 140 years. Between 1892 and 1923 it gave the world premieres of nearly all of Jean Sibelius's orchestral works, with the composer himself on the podium. Today the orchestra numbers 102 musicians, draws an annual audience of over 100,000 at its home venue Musiikkitalo, and is led by Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Jukka-Pekka Saraste.
Helsinki city confirmed that the HPO will continue operating within the city's cultural services department, with no change to its administrative model.
The HPO's 2025-2026 season opened with chief conductor Saraste, principal guest conductor Pekka Kuusisto and second concertmaster Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä sharing the stage as violin soloists.
Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir serves as composer-in-residence for the 2025-2026 season, with several of her works performed by the orchestra.
Jukka-Pekka Saraste signed a three-year contract extension as chief conductor, keeping him in the role until summer 2029.
The HPO introduced a 3.50-euro ticket price for audiences aged 15-25 for all concerts of the 2025-2026 season at Musiikkitalo.
😴 Nothing scheduled with this artist in the near future.
50concertThu 12.11.HKO: Little Overture
47concertThu 26.11.Flyygelikuu: Maija Väisänen
36concertWed 16.9.New Hopes for Early Music
33concertTue 17.11.PHMOsta kajahtaa! - Student Concert
33concertSun 27.12.The Touch of Sound - Singing Bowl Concert
78concertWed 25.11.MIKKELI CITY ORCHESTRA: IN NATURE - A CONCERT EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN
74concertMon 22.2.Tarja Turunen - Frisson Live 2027
72concertFri 13.11.Tunnerohkeus & Via Dolorosa
67concertSat 21.11.Rusk 2026 - Closing Concert: Young & Immortal
66concertMon 21.12.Waltteri Torikka's Christmas
64concertTue 8.12.Aarne Pelkonen
61concertThu 26.11.Rakuunasoittokunta: Hollywood - The Most Iconic Melodies
concert18:30The Helsinki City Orchestra performs under conductor Jukka-Pekka Storgård at the main building of the University of Helsinki.
classical19:00The Helsinki City Orchestra performs the Pathetique Symphony under the direction of chief conductor Jukka-Pekka Sarasteen.
concert19:00The Helsinki City Orchestra performs a concert on the Music Centre's media wall featuring works by Damström, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. A free outdoor event where you can bring your own food.
concert19:00The 2026 Helsinki Festival opens with Rufus Wainwright's Dream Requiem, performed by the Helsinki City Orchestra at the Music House.