Veranstaltungsort: Music Centre / Musiikkitalo: Concert Hall, Helsinki

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra offers up a double-serving of Tchaikovsky, with Hannu Lintu and Daniel Lozakovich, alongside the world premiere of Sauli Zinovjev's First Symphony.

The traditional end of year performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony took on extra significance in this, his 250th anniversary year. 

The Mirjam Helin's singer-only jury plump for a polished soprano and youthful baritone in a final concert with no obvious stand-out star. 

What I have experienced multiple times with Tapiola Sinfonietta and with Pekka Kuusisto, and today with both, is that no matter how high your expectations are, these players will always outperform them.