The anniversary season will start with Sibelius symphonies.

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO), a superb ensemble of 98 players begins its 125th anniversary season with a series of Sibelius concerts at Finlandia Hall on September 20 and 22. These ‘Jean Sibelius in memoriam’ concerts are a tribute to the maestro who died 50 years ago. All seven symphonies will be performed in the three-concert series under the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Leif Segerstam.

The celebrations will continue in October with concerts and a broad presentation of its work. An 125^th anniversary disc called Picures from Finland will be released to mark the occasion.

Leif Segerstam was appointed Chief Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in the autumn of 1995.

The Helsinki Philharmonic is based in magnificent Finlandia Hall (seating capacity 1,700), designed by Finland most famous architect, Alvar Aalto.