‘focus on Finland’

Finland’s EU Presidency runs from 1 July to 31 December 2019 under the heading of ‘Sustainable Europe – Sustainable Future’.

Led by their acclaimed Chief Conductor Susanne Mälkki, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra will be in residence at BOZAR.  For the gala opening the orchestra will be joined by dancers from the Tero Saarinen Dance company and soloist Oren Shevlin for a performance of Bernd Alois Zimmermann’s Cello concerto in the form of a “pas de trois”, a stunning work of live music, dance and visual design.

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra’s residency continues with an event that illustrates their unique experience of engaging children and young people. In the evening, renowned opera singer Matti Salminen returns to the stage in a special performance of Finnish Tango. This exceptional concert will also mark the opening of a 10-day long Nordic festival at BOZAR.

The Aalto University will be the special guest of BOZAR LAB for a seminar devoted to Urban Sustainability.

The commitment to sustainability runs deeply through all aspects of the Presidency. Instead of offering Presidency gifts Finland has directed these funds to offset emissions from the air travel of artists and delegates during the presidency by funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously advance sustainable development goals.