The Tapiola Sinfonietta

The Tapiola Sinfonietta, the Espoo City Orchestra founded in 1987, represents uncompromising quality and emphasises the critical role of each musician. The orchestra, composed of 41 musicians, specialises in the Viennese-Classical repertoire. 20th century modern classics and new music premieres also play an important role in the orchestra’s programme. The orchestra regularly performs with both Finnish and foreign top soloists and conductors, and also enjoys forays into e.g. children’s music and crossover productions. Its repertoire also includes chamber music concerts.

Jorma Panula and Osmo Vänskä were among the orchestra’s first Artistic Directors. Jean-Jacques Kantorow’s era, beginning in 1993, had a decisive impact on shaping the orchestra’s present-day profile.

In 2010/11, violinist Pekka Kuusisto and conductors Mario Venzago and Stefan Asbury serve as Artists in Association, intensively collaborating with the orchestra. Lotta Wennäkoski is the orchestra’s Season Composer.

The Tapiola Sinfonietta tours both in Finland and abroad. The orchestra currently records under the BIS and Ondine labels, and its discography contains over 50 recordings, including the praised Saint-Saëns and Weber recordings.

The Tapiola Sinfonietta´s home is the Tapiola Hall at the Espoo Cultural Centre. This hall is easily accessible; even from Helsinki, the journey only takes a few moments. The orchestra also regularly performs at the Sello Hall in the Leppävaara district of Espoo.