Saraste and the Helsinki Philharmonic in Hamburg

Jukka-Pekka Saraste and Pekka Kuusisto

The Helsinki Philharmonic in the Elbphilharmonie

By Mengguang Huang, 23 November 2025

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“tenderness and humour mingled with Stravinsky’s characteristic neoclassical mischief”

Reviewed at Elbphilharmonie: Grand Hall, Hamburg on 22 November 2025

Tarkiainen, Songs of the Ice

Stravinsky, Violin Concerto in D major

Haarla, Barcarole

Sibelius, Symphony no. 1 in E minor, Op.39

Sibelius, Barden (The Bard), symphonic poem for orchestra, Op.64

Sibelius, Finlandia, symphonic poem for orchestra, Op.26

Pekka Kuusisto, Violin

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Conductor

Premiere of Zinovjev's Taste of Metal in Helsinki

No’a L. bat Miri, 13th February

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.

***11

From darkness to light: Beethoven 9 in Helsinki

Zoltán Szabó, 18th December

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

****1

Hands across the Baltic

Matthew Rye, 22nd August

The music of Sibelius and Mahler may seem worlds apart, but this concert by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating Finland's centenary, proved that opposites can attract.

***11

Sibelius played to the manner born by the Helsinki PO

Peter Marks, 10th December

An all Sibelius concert played with precision and flair by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra fails to provide fresh insights into the composer's enigmatic works but violinist Christal Lee is a soloist to watch.

***11

Gripping musical storytelling in Lahti

Peter Connors, 31st August

The Finnish forests, the creation of the world and a mythical hero were vividly brought to life in the opening concert of the 15th Sibelius Festival in Lahti

*****

Captivante visite de l’Orchestre philharmonique d’Helsinki à Bruxelles

Patrice Lieberman, 10th October

Première visite à Bruxelles de l'Orchestre philharmonique d'Helsinki depuis 1900 : sous la direction formidable de Susanna Mälkki, la phalange finlandaise a livré une performance mémorable.

****1

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Mengguang Huang

Mengguang Huang is a Hamburg-based project manager in the construction industry. With a strong passion for classical music, he was introduced to the world of early music during his time in the UK, where he developed a particular fondness for renaissance and Baroque vocal music. Driven by his love for this genre, he now makes it a priority to attend major Baroque opera productions and concerts across Western Europe whenever possible, continuing to deepen his appreciation for this rich musical tradition.

Glacial depths, Nordic clarity: Saraste and the Helsinki Philharmonic in Hamburg