HPO and Ondine launch recording collaboration
The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Ondine last collaborated some ten years ago, and their earlier Sibelius and Rautavaara recordings received widespread international acclaim and multiple awards.
“The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra has played a significant role in Ondine’s more than 40-year history. Together with the orchestra, we have created a highly regarded discography that includes several internationally award-winning recordings. It is especially wonderful to continue our story with conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, one of the most important conductors of our time,” says Ondine General Manager and CEO Joel Valkila.
Throughout its history, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra has played a central role in interpreting the music of Sibelius: the orchestra premiered the majority of Sibelius’s orchestral works under the composer’s own direction. It has performed Sibelius’s music hundreds of times both in Finland and internationally, beginning with its first concert tour abroad to the 1900 Paris Exposition.
“Recordings are a core part of the long-term documentation of the orchestra’s artistic work. It is important to us that each Chief Conductor’s tenure with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra is also preserved through recordings. Saraste’s Sibelius is a mature interpretation, deeply rooted in the orchestra’s tradition. Our collaboration with Ondine feels like a natural homecoming,” says Managing Director Jari Eskola.
The orchestra has previously recorded the complete Sibelius symphonies twice. The first complete cycle was recorded in 1984–87 under the direction of conductor Paavo Berglund, and the second in 2002–2004 under then Chief Conductor Leif Segerstam. This third complete cycle, recorded under Jukka-Pekka Saraste, has also been captured and released as high-quality multi-camera productions.
“When I became Music Director of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, we shared a strong desire to create our own interpretation, our version of the Sibelius symphonies. For generations, ever since Sibelius’ own time, this orchestra has been performing his music — it is truly part of its DNA. Rehearsing and performing these symphonies with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra was a very inspiring experience, and I am sure that listeners will be able to feel our enthusiasm and commitment throughout these recordings,” says Jukka-Pekka Saraste.
Sibelius & Saraste: The 7 Symphonies will be released on June 5, 2026.
Audio sample: https://open.spotify.com/track/1VBnNAXG2COqhQ56ptr08F?si=fbd4a3b956074589