Send-off to the Paris World Fair tour: Finlandia, Symphony No. 1, revised version (cond. Kajanus)

The orchestra of the Philharmonic Society was sent off on a highly-acclaimed tour of Europe in festive mood in the “Great Hall” of the Helsinki Fire Brigade building on 1st-2nd July 1900. Representing Sibelius on this tour were his revised first symphony, Finlandia (mentioned in press articles by the name of “Finland”), Spring Song, The Swan of Tuonela and Lemminkäinen’s Return. Though Sibelius accompanied the orchestra on tour, he did not conduct his works. Again and again it was Kajanus who mounted the conductor’s podium.

Text: Timo Virtanen
Picture: The National Library of Finland