Seppo Heikinheimo joins the HPO administration

Music critic-journalist Seppo Heikinheimo joined the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra as librarian in 1967 and was Assistant General Manager from 1968 to 1974. He also worked as an editor on Helsingin Sanomat at the same time. In his degree thesis of 2014, Jaani Länsiö says of Heikinheimo that the practice by which the writer of an orchestra’s press releases is also the person who decides what will be published may be regarded as somewhat dubious.

Nils-Eric Ringbom, who had been General Manager of the HPO since 1943, retired in 1971 and replacing him in 1971 gave rise to problems. The two applicants, Seppo Heikinheimo and Reijo Jyrkiäinen, both met the requirements for the post. The matter was put to the vote and the Orchestra Board came down in favour of Jyrkiäinen, but the Music Committee of Heikinheimo. In the end the City Board, having debated the matter for three months, chose Jyrkiäinen, and a court appeal was rejected.

During his time as a journalist, Heikinheimo wrote numerous reviews of HPO concerts.

Sources: Einari Marvia & Matti Vainio – Helsingin kaupunginorkesteri 1882-1982 & Jaani Länsiö  –  ”Valtakunnan hapannaama” Kriitikko Seppo Heikinheimon lehtikirjoitukset Helsingin kaupunginorkesterista vuosina 1987‒1997