A new form of concert “CROSS ART” presented by Pro Arte Musice
On the day of the concert, experience a one-day painting exhibition! Delight in the vibrant colors and rich history of the city that gave birth to the orchestra, and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of art and music. The inaugural CROSS ART event is centered around the beloved theme of 'Moomin', cherished by both adults and children alike. Collaborating with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, the exhibition will feature original paintings and prints by Tove Jansson, the creator of Moominvalley. Join us as we bring together 30 pieces of music inspired by the enchanting world of Moomin!
The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra (Finnish: Tampere Filharmonia) stands as one of Scandinavia's foremost orchestras, boasting a roster of 97 talented musicians. Established in 1930, the orchestra celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2010, marking a significant milestone in its illustrious history.
In August 2013, Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali assumed the role of artistic director, succeeding his predecessor Hannu Lintu. Previous principal conductors include John Storgårds and Estonian Conductor Laureate Eri Klas, with Jouni Kaipainen serving as resident composer.
A pivotal moment in the orchestra's journey came with the completion of the Tampere Hall in 1990—a state-of-the-art concert hall and conference venue that provided a new home for the orchestra. With a seating capacity of 1,800, the hall symbolizes the orchestra's commitment to artistic innovation and excellence.
Throughout the winter months, the orchestra presents orchestral concerts every Friday and hosts a series of chamber music performances on Sunday afternoons, known as 'Afternoons of the Faun'. Additionally, the orchestra actively participates as an opera and ballet ensemble and regularly performs at the Tampere Biennale Contemporary Music Festival.
Dedicated to educational outreach, the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra pioneers various programs for children and young people, harnessing its unique attributes to foster a love for music among future generations. Notably, it was the first orchestra in Finland to undertake such initiatives.
The orchestra has garnered critical acclaim for its recordings, released on the Ondine label under the baton of esteemed conductors such as Hannu Lintu, Eri Klas, John Storgårds, Tuomas Ollila, and Leif Segerstam. Recent recordings encompass a diverse range of works by composers including Jukka Tiensuu, Jouni Kaipainen, Einar Englund, Pēteris Vasks, John Corigliano, Alma Mahler, Leo Brouwer, Robert Schumann, and Jean Sibelius. Many recordings have received accolades, including recognition from the Cannes Classical Special Awards and the IFPI Finland Emma Award.
The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra has embarked on successful tours across Scandinavia, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the USA. Notable performances include appearances in Dortmund during Sibelius' anniversary year, a debut in mainland England with performances in London, Croydon, and Birmingham, culminating in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Since its inception, the orchestra has been managed by the city of Tampere, solidifying its status as a professional ensemble. Under the leadership of Eero Kossonen, the orchestra underwent significant growth, particularly during the tenure of Paavo Rautio from 1974 to 1987, which included a landmark tour of the United States in 1987. Noteworthy contributions also came from artistic directors Leonid Grin from 1990 to 1994 and Tuomas Hannikainen from 1994 to 1998, each leaving an indelible mark on the orchestra's rich legacy.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali, conductor
Rowvari studied percussion and conducting at the Sibelius Conservatory, where he specialized under the tutelage of Leif Segerstam. He further honed his craft through studies with renowned conductors Jorma Panula and Hannu Lintu.
Currently, Rowvari holds the esteemed positions of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as Principal Guest Conductor of the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra.
In the 2015/2016 season, Rowvari showcased his deep affinity for the music of Sibelius through performances of the Sibelius Zyklus in Tampere. He also made his Sibelius debut with the Deutsche Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, further solidifying his reputation as an interpreter of Nordic repertoire. His engagements have included collaborations with esteemed orchestras worldwide, including the South West German Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Royal Scottish Orchestra. Additionally, Rowvari has conducted orchestras across North America, including the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonie de Radio
France, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (2012/2014), and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Rowvari's recorded repertoire showcases his versatility and artistry. Notable releases include Timo Korhonen's Guitar Concerto with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra, Kimmo Hakola's Guitar Concerto, and Toshio Hosokawa's Guitar Concerto, all on the Ondine label. Additionally, his collaboration with violinist Baiba Skride and the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra resulted in acclaimed recordings of Nielsen and Sibelius violin concertos, released on the Orfeo label in 2015.
In addition to his orchestral work, Rowvari has made significant contributions to the world of opera. He has conducted productions of Bizet's "Carmen" and Mozart's "The Magic Flute" at the West Coast Kokkola Opera, as well as Verdi's "La forza del destino" at the Tampere Opera, showcasing his versatility and depth as a conductor across genres.