Kotka Concert Hall

If an August summer day had a soundtrack, this would be it.

Continuing in his role as Kymi Sinfonietta’s artistic partner, Jukka Perko joins forces with his friend, singer-songwriter Mikko Kuustonen, to bring Kuustonen’s remarkable body of work to our audiences. At the same time, Kuustonen fulfils a long-held dream of performing as a soloist with a larger orchestral ensemble.

Nathanaël Iselin begins his season as artistic partner of the orchestra in magnificent style with a programme celebrating Baltic Sea Day on 27 August. Curated by Iselin himself, this vibrant concert brings the rich musical heritage of the Baltic Sea region to life through dance rhythms, bird-inspired imagery and the mystique of northern nature.

Led by violist Atte Kilpeläinen, this chamber music evening is built around the idea of tribute, bringing together masters from different eras in a carefully crafted musical dialogue. Selected movements from Bach’s The Art of Fugue intertwine naturally with excerpts from Kurtág’s Signs, Games and Messages, including one piece dedicated to Bach himself.

For his second concert of the season, artistic partner Nathanaël Iselin presents a musical menu inspired by his personal favourites.

Following the tremendous success of last spring’s Baroque concert, the orchestra returns with a programme bringing together some of the era’s most dazzling works – true musical gems. At the heart of the evening are Bach’s celebrated Brandenburg Concertos, represented here by the first and fifth concertos from the series.

The Kotka Region Music Institute celebrates its 80th anniversary with a unique collaboration with Kymi Sinfonietta. Around 30 talented young musicians will join the professional players on stage, creating an exceptional symphony orchestra where experience meets youthful energy.

The Finnish Jazz Federation celebrates 100 years of jazz in Finland this year, while Eero Koivistoinen marks his 80th birthday. This year also marks 100 years since Coltrane’s birth, making this truly a celebration on many levels. Welcome to celebrate through the power of jazz!

This richly layered concert draws inspiration from literature. The highlight of the concert is the world premiere of Artturi Rönkä’s piano concerto Liquid Moon, with conductor James Sherlock also appearing as soloist.

This concert opens a window onto the striking contrast between the magnificent colours of autumn and the fading splendour of summer. The evening’s conductor, Nicolò Umberto Foron, has been named one of the “30 Under 30” artists of 2025, giving audiences the chance to experience one of the most promising young talents of his generation.

Artistic partner Nathanaël Iselin brings touches of the French Christmas music tradition, which is especially close to his heart, into the Finnish Christmas concert tradition. The evening’s programme combines international and Finnish classics that guide audiences towards the peace and joy of Christmas.