In 2024, Oulu Sinfonia achieved a record-breaking audience number, drawing a total of 54,069 listeners across 160 events throughout the year. Previous record 50509 listeners was made in 2017.
The concert year showcased a diverse and extensive repertoire, attracting audiences to fill concert halls and other venues at unprecedented levels. Audiences have praised the programming for its seamless blend of traditional classics, fresh premieres, Finnish debuts, and rare gems, creating programmes where tradition meets contemporary artistic expression. The season also featured an impressive array of guest soloists and conductors, ranging from recent competition winners and world-class stars to the orchestra’s own musicians, first-time visitors to Oulu, and highly anticipated returning artists.
Collaboration played a vital role in the success of the season. Partners included Oulu Theatre, JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre, Alpo Aaltokoski Company, the 20th Ostrobothnian Contemporary Music Festival, Oulu Music Festival, Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, the Diocese of Oulu, Oulu Cathedral Parish, Raahe Parish, Oulu Old Music Festival, and the Oulu Arts’ Night.
During the autumn, Oulu Sinfonia continued their tradition of outreach tours, performing concerts in care homes, nurseries, schools, lunch restaurants, workplaces, shopping centres, and the Hupisaaret Summer Theatre. The orchestra’s collaboration with Pohjolan OP, Oulun Energia, and Osuuskauppa Arina to support schoolchildren’s concert visits also continued. To celebrate 50 years of Oulu’s comprehensive schools, the City of Oulu and the Oulu Class Teachers’ Association offered fifth-grade pupils the opportunity to attend the Independence Day Celebration Concert. For the first time in several years, the orchestra also participated in the City of Oulu’s Independence Day Celebration.
These admission-free concerts exemplify Oulu Sinfonia’s commitment to making music accessible to all. This mission is further supported by the orchestra’s involvement in the nationwide Kaikukortti initiative, and the free chamber concerts performed by Oulu Sinfonia Chamber Musicians across Oulu and neighbouring municipalities.
General Manager Maija Kuusisto attributes the record-breaking attendance to a combination of factors. “I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff to the development of Oulu Sinfonia. It is a joy to witness the successful collaboration between the orchestra and our Chief Conductor, which enables high-quality and versatile concert experiences. Rumon Gamba’s dynamic, positive leadership has been instrumental in inspiring both the organisation and our audiences,” Kuusisto enthused.
Chief Conductor Gamba has also felt the warmth of the audience’s reception and celebrates the new audience record. “I’m thrilled that we are able to share the results of our hard work with so many people. The orchestra is growing artistically all the time and seeing the hall full of inquisitive and supportive ears undoubtedly inspires us to even greater musical heights,” Gamba rejoices.
Oulu Sinfonia’s Spring season 2025 begins on Thursday, 16 January. Concerts will now start at 6:30 PM, a change introduced in response to audience requests for earlier start times.
Text: Heli Perkkiö
Photos: Timo Lind, Hennamaria Rantakeisu ja Veera Uutinen