Celebrating Finland's Centennial
About This Concert:
Finland declared independence in 1917, and we celebrate its centennial with breathtaking music and musicians from this remarkable Nordic nation.
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Osmo Vänskä, conductor
- Elina Vähälä, violin
AHO
Minea
J. KUUSISTO
Violin Concerto
SIBELIUS
Symphony No. 2
Fun Facts:
- Aho titled Minea in honor of Minneapolis, the city in which it was premiered in 2009.
- Osmo Vänskä picked the violin prodigy Elina Vähälä when she was just 12 to make her debut with his Finnish orchestra, the Lahti Symphony. Vänskä later named Vähälä the orchestra’s “young master soloist.”
- Sibelius’ Second was written in 1901, when Russia had sanctioned Finnish language and culture, and the music has been called the “Symphony of Independence.” It is the most popular of his seven symphonies, famous for its final pages of soaring brass fanfares.
- FinnFest returns! This annual Finnish-American heritage festival began in 1983 in Minneapolis and has moved to a different US city each year. Orchestra Hall is the host site for this year’s FinnFest, including a beautiful Finnish Expo in our lobby!
Classical
Celebrating Finland's Centennial
Tickets
Other Performances
Celebrating the Finland Centennial
#MNOrch
Plan your visit
Other Ways to Buy
About This Concert:
Finland declared independence in 1917, and we celebrate its centennial with breathtaking music and musicians from this remarkable Nordic nation.
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Osmo Vänskä, conductor
- Elina Vähälä, violin
AHO
Minea
J. KUUSISTO
Violin Concerto
SIBELIUS
Symphony No. 2
Fun Facts:
- Aho titled Minea in honor of Minneapolis, the city in which it was premiered in 2009.
- Osmo Vänskä picked the violin prodigy Elina Vähälä when she was just 12 to make her debut with his Finnish orchestra, the Lahti Symphony. Vänskä later named Vähälä the orchestra’s “young master soloist.”
- Sibelius’ Second was written in 1901, when Russia had sanctioned Finnish language and culture, and the music has been called the “Symphony of Independence.” It is the most popular of his seven symphonies, famous for its final pages of soaring brass fanfares.
- FinnFest returns! This annual Finnish-American heritage festival began in 1983 in Minneapolis and has moved to a different US city each year. Orchestra Hall is the host site for this year’s FinnFest, including a beautiful Finnish Expo in our lobby!
Listen on Spotify
Preview this performance for free, using Spotify. If you're a member, simply click play. To download Spotify, click the green circle.
OH+ Concert activities on Friday September 22 / see all upcoming OH+ events
World Car-Free Day
When: Sep 22 Where: Minneapolis Join us in taking a pledge not to drive alone! We have partnered with Move Minneapolis to offer free tickets as one of their drawing prizes for those who pledge. Sign up »
Suomi Finland 100 Chorus
When: 7pm & 7:30pm Where: Target Atrium Enjoy a performance of Finnish classical and folk music by the Suomi Finland 100 Chorus, a Twin Cities-based pop-up choir directed by Eeva Savolainen and formed in honor of the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence!
FinnFest USA 2017 Tori Marketplace
When: 10:30am-4:30pm & 6-9pm Where: Orchestra Hall lobby and Peavey Plaza This concert weekend is a part of FinnFest USA 2017, annual Finnish-American heritage festival which originated in Minneapolis in 1983. The festival features a tori community marketplace for vendors, artists and community groups. More info »