Beyond the Sky offers an innovative experience that blends art, science, and technology, bringing distant nebulae within the audience’s reach. At its core lies the lifework of esteemed Oulu-based astronomical nature photographer and visual artist Jukka-Pekka Metsävainio, whose work inspires this unique collaboration. This commissioned piece merges Metsävainio’s awe-inspiring images with Lauri Porra’s musical vision, inviting audiences to marvel at the infinity and beauty of space, enhanced by the power of orchestral music.
The world premiere of Beyond the Sky will take place at Ouluhalli on 19 November 2026, with additional performances on 20–21 November 2026 as part of the Lumo Light Festival 2026. Oulu Sinfonia will be conducted by Dalia Stasevska, one of Finland’s most sought-after conductors on the international stage today.
Jukka-Pekka Metsävainio’s images have gained international acclaim. In 2020, he published the book Cosmic Clouds 3D together with Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Dr Brian May and Astronomy Magazine editor-in-chief David J. Eicher. His works have graced the covers of the Vatican Observatory’s official annual calendars in 2019 and 2025. In 2021, Metsävainio’s massive composite image of the Milky Way became a global phenomenon, a project that took 12 years to complete.
Composer and musician Lauri Porra has created original scores for numerous feature films and television series. Recently, his music has become widely recognised through the immensely popular Stormskerry Maja film and the television series Queen of Fucking Everything. Among Porra’s orchestral works are the electric bass concerto Entropia, Seasons in Moominvalley, and Mass for Matter and Time. Porra is also celebrated as a bassist across various musical genres, most notably with the globally successful metal band Stratovarius.
The production of Beyond the Sky is led by Oulu Sinfonia in collaboration with Lumo Light Festival and Oulu2026. The rest of the creative team and the soloists will be announced on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, when tickets for the performances go on sale.
Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Beyond the Sky is part of the Oulu2026 cultural programme and the cultural climate change initiative.
Text: Oulu Sinfonia
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