Sibelius Festival
The position of Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) as Finland’s national composer is probably incontestable; his significance for the history of Finnish music is unparalleled. Sibelius is also Finland’s most famous composer internationally, whose music has won admirers in all parts of the globe. With its annual Sibelius Festival, the Lahti Symphony Orchestra aims to gather together Sibelius’s friends from all over the world and to offer them a truly memorable weekend in the company of Sibelius’s music.
ENCOUNTERS
SIBELIUS FESTIVAL 2025-2027
‘The originality of Jean Sibelius’s output can prevent us from noticing his connections with other composers and musical styles. We know that as a young man he admired Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner and that he was well aware of the stylistic turbulence of the early 20th century. His circle of friends included some of the most important international musicians of the era. The timelessness and contemporary approach of Sibelius’s late period inspired future composers. As part of the Sibelius Festival, we want to show what those connections mean in practice.
One festival is not enough; we need three.
I have considered it a special honour to plan the Sibelius Festival and have sought to keep the focus of the programme on the master composer’s output. The works by other composers have been selected according to the above considerations. I am grateful for this trust and look forward to magical encounters with Sibelius.’
Hannu Lintu, Artistic Director, Lahti Symphony Orchestra´s Sibelius Festival
ENCOUNTERS
The Lahti Symphony Orchestra’s 26th International Sibelius Festival 28.–30.8.2025
The Lahti Symphony Orchestra’s 27th International Sibelius Festival 27.–29.8.2026
The Lahti Symphony Orchestra’s 28th International Sibelius Festival 2.–4.9.2027
Ticket sales for this year’s Sibelius Festival will begin at Lippu.fi on 17 January 2025. 2026 festival tickets will be available during this year’s festival and 2027 tickets will be sale during the 2026 festival.