Today, December 8th, we celebrate the day of Finnish music and the 150th birthday of Jean Sibelius (18651957), the most well-known Finnish composer so far. He is especially known for his orchestral music, including seven symphonies, a famous violin concerto, Finlandia and Valse Triste. In addition he wrote plenty of chamber music, solo songs, and music for different types of choirs.
Sibelius was a composer of the late Romantic and early-modern style, who wrote his masterpieces between the late 1890s and the mid-1920s. During these years he travelled a lot and had influences of mid-European composers. At the same time he was also very much inspired by Finnish nature and tradition.
Orchestras, musicians and cultural institutions all around the world have been celebrating the anniversary year of Sibelius. The events during the jubilee year have included festivals and theme concerts, the XI International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, and an international conference for Sibelius scholars. Several new Sibelius records have been released as well as books about the composer.
Music Finland celebrates Sibelius with birthday wishes to the composer from todays famous Finnish musicians, read them below.
http://musicfinland.fi/en/news/article/finnish-music-figures-send-jean-sibelius-150th-birthday-greetings