Oulu Sinfonia is the northernmost permanently operating professional symphony orchestra in Europe and one of the most international working communities in the city of Oulu. The orchestra currently brings together musicians from 15 different countries. On Europe Day concert Love, Life!, Saturday 9 May 2026, the international character of the orchestra will be further enriched as, with the support of European embassies and in collaboration with the European Union Youth Orchestra, musicians from across Europe will join the stage. The combined orchestra will represent around 30 nationalities.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the European Union Youth Orchestra has, for generations, provided Europe’s most talented young musicians with a unique bridge into the professional world. The orchestra has collaborated with many of the world’s leading conductors and soloists and has performed in the most prestigious concert halls and festivals worldwide. Each year, approximately 3,000 applicants compete for places. The orchestra’s alumni include renowned conductors, soloists, teachers and instrumentalists performing in major orchestras across Europe and beyond.
A new work has been commissioned for the concert by composer Lara Poe. The piece is called Whirligig and will receive its World Premiere in this concert. The work is a joint commission by Oulu Sinfonia, the Naantali Music Festival and Sinfonia Lahti, and will also be performed at the Naantali Music Festival in summer 2026 as part of Oulu Sinfonia’s concert.
The Europe Day concert will be conducted by Oulu Sinfonia’s Chief Conductor Rumon Gamba. The programme also features Antonín Dvořák’s Carnival Overture and Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, with mezzo-soprano Marianne Beate Kielland and tenor Tuomas Katajala as soloists.
“Bringing the extraordinary young musicians of the European Union Youth Orchestra together with Oulu Sinfonia’s vibrant artistry is a powerful symbol of what Europe stands for at its best: collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose. We are thrilled to come together in Oulu to experience and celebrate a Capital of Culture that is truly wild, cool and brave – an inspiring reflection of Europe’s imagination and spirit”, summarises Marshall Marcus, EUYO Executive & Artistic Director.
Oulu Sinfonia’s General Manager Maija Kuusisto looks forward to the visit: “It is important to build connections with outstanding young musicians across Europe, and to showcase the expertise of our own orchestra. Combined with top-level soloists, this concert will undoubtedly be a memorable occasion.”
Text: Oulu Sinfonia
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Europe Day: Love, Life!
Sat 9 May 2026 at 4 PM
Oulu Music Centre, Madetoja Hall
Rumon Gamba conductor
Marianne Beate Kielland mezzo-soprano
Tuomas Katajala tenor
Oulu Sinfonia
Concert program:
Antonín Dvořák: Carnival Overture, Op. 92
Lara Poe: Whirligig (World Premiere)
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Gustav Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde