Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra has played a key role in Finnish musical life, from the late 19th century, when it began to give the premiere performances of the symphonies of Jean Sibelius, down to the present day. Founder Robert Kajanus, who remained chief conductor for five decades, brought Sibelius' orchestral music to the world. In 2011, the orchestra was the first to perform fragmentary sketches the composer left for his destroyed Symphony No. 8. Most of the orchestra's conductors have been Scandinavian, and several have gone on to significant international careers. The Helsinki Philharmonic's chief conductor is Susanna Mälkki, its first female leader.