Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra 100 years!

We – that is to say the oldest academic orchestra in Finland – welcome you to join our celebration of centennial friendship and orchestra tradition. Our jubilee reaches its climax on April 18th 2026 in Musiikkitalo. Be there or be square.

Each piece in the concert program has its special meaning in the orchestra’s history. Kalevi Aho, a previous member of the orchestra and the celebrated Finnish composer, composed the Fanfare for our 60th anniversary concert. Taivaannaula¹ is a commissioned piece by the composer and the orchestra’s assistant conductor Elisar Riddelin and it will be premiered in this concert. Het waait² is also a commissioned work from a former orchestra member Lotta Wennäkoski. John Storgårds conducted YS 1992–1996 but now walks on stage as a soloist to perform Ernst Mielck’s Concert Piece for Violin and Orchestra. And last but certainly not least, as Jean Sibelius is the orchestra’s honorary conductor, it is only fitting to end the concert with his first symphony and, of course, Finlandia.

The concert is conducted by three conductors from the orchestra’s past and present: Aku Sorensen (2022-), Mikk Murdvee (2007-2017) and Petri Sakari (1980-1985). The anniversary season’s patron is Alexander Stubb, the President of Finland.

The tickets are available for purchase in the Musiikkitalo ticket shop. (20 € students / 40 € / 60 €)

Sata vuotta YStävyyttä

Apr 18th 2026 at 4:00 pm, Musiikkitalo, Helsinki

Aho: Fanfare for YS

Riddelin: Taivaannaula (premiere)

Wennäkoski: Het waait

Mielck: Concert Piece for Violin and Orchestra in D major

Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

Sibelius: Finlandia

¹ Taivaannaula – literally ”sky nail”; magical tree that in Finnish mythology; metaphor for air borne bombs in war

² Het Waait – nl. it is windy, wind is blowing