Biography
The Tapiola Sinfonietta has established itself as Finland’s premier chamber orchestra. Founded as the Espoo City Orchestra in 1987, it currently has 44 members. The orchestra is known for its adventurous repertoire planning and has been widely acclaimed for nuanced performances across a wide range of eras and styles.
The Tapiola Sinfonietta often performs without a conductor, placing an emphasis on ensemble playing and the personal responsibility of each musician.
In 2000, the orchestra introduced a management model where artistic planning is handled by a management team formed of the General Manager and two orchestra members. Dialogue and a cross-sector approach are characteristic of the orchestra’s work with its Artists in Association, Artists in Residence and visiting conductors and soloists. In the 2022–2023 season, the Tapiola Sinfonietta’s Artists in Association are conductor Ryan Bancroft and guitarist/composer Marzi Nyman, with soprano Katharine Dain as Artist in Residence.
The orchestra’s home base is the Espoo Cultural Centre, located in the district of Tapiola, world famous for its garden city architecture. Engaging in exceptionally broad-based audience outreach work, the orchestra addresses all age groups in the City of Espoo, from unborn babies to senior citizens, and gives performances away from conventional concert venues.
The Tapiola Sinfonietta appears regularly at music festivals in Finland, and tours abroad have boosted its international reputation along with its award-winning discography.
Read more about the Tapiola Sinfonietta: History