Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded as Helsinki Orchestral Society in 1882 on the initiative of conductor Robert Kajanus. It was the first permanent full-sized professional symphony orchestra in the Nordic countries. In 1914 it merged with its rival the Helsinki Symphony Orchestra and acquired its present name. Until 1962, it also served as the orchestra for the Finnish National Opera. (Finnish: Helsingin kaupunginorkesteri, Swedish: Helsingfors stadsorkester).