festivalin progress
Young singers perform in a four-day concert series at the Music House, accompanied by pianist Tuula Hällström. Admission is free.
concert19:00in 6 days
The 2026 Helsinki Festival opens with Rufus Wainwright's Dream Requiem, performed by the Helsinki City Orchestra at the Music House.
classical10:00An open general rehearsal where the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra prepares for the evening's concert. Watch how a classical music performance comes together.
concert18:15Helsinki City Orchestra presents concert promenades at the Music House. Come listen and discuss the evening.
classical19:00The Helsinki City Orchestra performs the Pathetique Symphony under the direction of chief conductor Jukka-Pekka Sarasteen.
concert18:15Students from Helsinki's music schools perform a concert at the Musiikkitalo. Free admission.
concert18:00Kimmo Pohjonen, Mikko Helenius and Tuomas Norvio perform "Hallowed Lungs", a work that unites accordion, organ and electronic music in a trio. This return performance of the sold-out January show comes back to Musiikkitalo.
concert19:00Helsinki City Orchestra presents an Italian-themed concert without a conductor at the Music House.
opera(2 days)
Baroque orchestra Ensemble Nyland presents a new production that merges 17th-century opera with the stories of contemporary queer artists through music, dance and theatre.
concert18:30Prokofiev's classic "Peter and the Wolf" combines with new music, dance, and theatre at the Music House.
concert19:00French organ virtuosos Olivier Latry and Shin-Young Lee perform a dance-themed programme spanning from Rameau to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.
concert19:00Helsinki's city orchestra presents a condensed version of Wagner's Ring cycle without singers, conducted by Susanna Mälki.
club20:30HKO musicians and their guests create a creative club night with unexpected meetings and fresh ideas.
concert19:00Japanese pianist phenomenon Hayato Sumino plays Sibelius 5 with the Helsinki City Orchestra in a sold-out concert.
concert18:30International baroque singing competition featuring eight finalists from different countries, each performing a self-selected 20-minute programme with accompaniment from Nordic baroque orchestras.
classical18:00Eight baroque singers from different countries compete in the final of the international Aria Borealis competition. The programme is built on Handel's operas and oratorios in a special montage created for this competition.
concert16:00Austrian organist Stefan Donner performs classical organ compositions and arrangements at Musiikkitalo. The programme features works by Bach, Grieg, Widor, and other masters.
concert18:00Philharmonia Orchestra performs at Helsinki Music Hall under conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali with pianist Gabriela Montero. The programme includes the Finnish premiere of Montero's Latin Concerto and Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 3.
other(11 days)
Free music class for young children featuring singing, instrument play, movement and games led by Sibelius Academy students.
lecture(31 days)
A backstage tour through Musiikkitalo's hidden spaces, exploring the building's architecture, technical systems, and behind-the-scenes stories. The tour concludes on the terrace with discounted refreshments.
exhibition(31 days)
Free summer visits to Musiikkitalo Concert Hall's renowned organ and architecture with a self-guided tour.
festival(39 days)
Coca-Cola Fan Zone at the Music House screens World Cup football matches on large displays throughout June and July. The free outdoor venue features live performances, karaoke and film screenings for all ages.