The Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra will perform at the world's largest classical music festival, the BBC Proms, in August

Students from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and the Royal College of Music, recognised as the Global No.1 in Music and Performing Arts education, will join forces in a high-calibre collaborative orchestra at the Proms festival in London on 25 August 2024 and at the closing concert of the Helsinki Festival on 1 September 2024 at the Helsinki Music Centre Concert Hall. Prior to this collaboration, Finnish orchestras that have graced the stage at the BBC Proms festival include the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Lahti Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra is under the baton of Sakari Oramo, who is professor of conducting and orchestral education at the Sibelius Academy and chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The programme will showcase Jean Sibelius's "The Wood Nymph" Op. 15, Gustav Holst's "The Planets" and Lara Poe's commissioned work "Laulut maaseudulta" (Songs from the countryside), featuring soprano Anu Komsi as the soloist.  

"I am truly delighted that the BBC Proms has included the concert in its programme. For young musicians, performing on one of the world's leading stages, the Royal Albert Hall, is certainly an unforgettable and eye-opening experience. I am curious to see what kind of synergy will arise among the students," says Oramo.  

Finnish music on the rise in Britain  

The visit to the Proms festival is one of the highlights of the Sibelius Academy's 2024 calendar. The BBC Proms is one of the most internationally renowned and respected classical music festivals.  

"It is a unique platform where Finnish music and musical expertise have also found their place. Finnish music education and conductors, particularly, hold a strong position among the classical music audience in Great Britain," says Emilie Gardberg, dean of the Sibelius Academy.  

"Finland's musical prowess owes much to its international connections. This collaboration is a testament to the global appeal of the Sibelius Academy, and the international success of our professionals enhances Finland's reputation as a whole," Gardberg concludes.  

The collaboration between the Sibelius Academy and the Royal College of Music and participation in the Proms festival is supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.  

Helsinki Festival: Sibelius Academy & Royal College of Music, Sakari Oramo  

1.9. 2024 at 4 p.m., Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre) Concert Hall  
Tickets from 44 € 

BBC Proms: Sibelius Academy & Royal College of Music, Sakari Oramo  

25.8.2024, Royal Albert Hall 
Tickets £11–54 (booking fee not included) and Promming tickets £8 (includes fees).
Ticket sales begin on 18 May 2024. 

www.bbc.co.uk/promstickets