Versatile cultural offering and local culture are Espoo's strengths, says Meri Englund

Tapiola Sinfonietta is a first-rate chamber orchestra from Espoo that is widely known also outside of Finland. You can catch the orchestra in action at the Tapiola Hall of Espoo Cultural Centre, where it plays regularly.

A lesser-known fact is that the Sinfonietta also performs in smaller compositions all over Espoo. Mini concerts and musical experiences are organised, for example, in day-care centres, schools and nursing homes.

"The idea is to bring music to those city residents who, for one reason or another, cannot come to our main concerts," Englund says.

"Espoo also hosts other local cultural events that bring the community together, such as the Radalla chamber music festival for young musicians in Kauklahti and the Children's Cultural Centre Aurora, which has fun and intimate events for families. And then there's the traditional Hevosenkenkä Theatre," Englund lists.

According to Englund, Espoo could host even more low-threshold cultural activities.

"I asked our kids about this. They think that Espoo lacks free, low-threshold events that young people can easily go to, such as park concerts and the like," Englund says.

"There are plenty of talented young musicians in Espoo, and their bands could play at the events. There could also be different side events that interest young people, such as flea markets," she plans.

Englund also calls for more visibility and resources for marketing culture.

"Espoo has a high-quality and diverse cultural offering that we can be proud of. However, some events are overshadowed when there are no marketing resources. It's a pity, as there are many fine things that deserve the spotlight," she says.

As for Englund's bigger wish:

"I dream of a concert hall specifically designed for music in Espoo so that locals could enjoy their top orchestras in good acoustics. Cultural Centre is beautiful, but the acoustics of the hall are not designed for classical music. There's Sibelius Hall in Lahti, Tampere Hall in Tampere, and a stunning new concert hall is about to rise in Turku, so Espoo residents also deserve one. When you say your dreams out loud, they can sometimes take off," she says.

Although Englund works in music, her family enjoys all kinds of culture in their free time.

"We visit art exhibitions and events a lot, and the kids are experienced concertgoers. Their musical taste is even wider than mine. Music also runs in the family, because as a born and bred Espoo native, I started my music hobby at Espoo Music Institute, which is now home to my kids," she says.

"My ears work overtime on the job, so I also enjoy my peace and quiet. Especially in libraries, even if I don't get to read as much as I'd like. Luckily, Tapiola Cultural Centre, where I work, has a library where I can go to breathe in the scent of books," Englund says with a laugh.

Englund's work at Tapiola Sinfonietta is versatile, as the concertmaster oversees the artistic direction of concerts. The concertmaster helps the conductor and orchestra create a high-quality concert experience for the listeners.

"I try to build a positive working atmosphere where everyone can relax and reach their peak already at the training phase," Englund explains.

"Every week is different with visiting conductors and soloists, and the work requires situational awareness and sensitivity. Someone once described a concertmaster as a diplomat who acts as a mediator and a messenger between the conductor and the orchestra. I think that's quite spot on," she concludes.

Espoo's versatile cultural offering is illustrated by the fact that choosing just five cultural tips proved a difficult task for Principal Concertmaster Meri Englund. Being a professional musician, her list naturally focuses on music:

Tapiola Sinfonietta: Lintu & Yang (15 May Tapiola Hall)

Tapiola Sinfonietta's 25–26 programme will be published on 15 May, and the spring season will be capped off with a long-awaited concert featuring the fresh Sibelius Competition winner, Inmo Yang from South Korea, who joins the Sinfonietta as a soloist under the baton of Hannu Lintu.

Karamzin's Culture Moment: Let's sing together – Mari Kätkä (5 May Järvenperäntie 1–3, 02940 Espoo)

This is a fun family event that highlights the communal local culture that Espoo has. In a singalong, everyone can participate in creating culture at a low threshold.

EMO: Espoo Music Institute, Instrument Path (6 May 17–19 Espoo Cultural Centre)

EMO's Instrument Path is a wonderful event for families with children, where the children can try different instruments and get excited about music under the guidance of teachers. This is where our youngest picked up cello.

Tapiola Sinfonietta: Chamber Music at Dipoli (23–25 May Dipoli, Otakaari 24, 02150 Espoo)

This is the second of our own events on the list. It's a weekend-long chamber music event with three concerts. Come and join us at Dipoli!

With Mary's fingerprints: MOTHER (11 May Gallen-Kallela Museum, Gallen-Kallelan tie 27, 02600 Espoo)

Gallen-Kallela Museum in Tarvaspää is a wonderful destination along a great cycling route. It has an atmospheric courtyard café with the most stunning view on Laajalahti Bay. The museum hosts a concert series designed by pianist Tiina Karakorpi, and the Mother's Day concert is also on my bucket list.