KUOPIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Kuopio Symphony Orchestra consists of 46 musicians which is practically the same orchestra size as used by composer Jean Sibelius to premiere most of his symphonic productions at the turn of the 19th century. Kuopio Symphony Orchestra is a member orchestra of the Association of Finnish Symphony Orchestras.

The KSO gives approximately 60 concers every year performing mainly at the excellent and appraised Concert Hall at the Kuopio Music Centre. Concerts in cooperation with other professional orchestras and choirs around Finland play an important part of the yearly working order. The KSO musicians also form numerous chamber music ensembles giving concerts throughout the year for example at local day care centers, schools, workplaces and thus acquainting the public with the orchestra music and musicians.

The KSO is also an integral part of the Kuopio Opera productions; in September 2005 / January 2006 the public enjoyed performances of Giuseppe Verdi's opera La Traviata.

Since 1997 the orchestra has also toured and given guest performances in Japan, Sweden and Denmark. The KSO has cooperated with the Savonlinna Opera Festival and the Dala Sinfonietta performing at different opera festivals in the Nordic Countries.

Kuopio Symphony Orchestra has recorded several records for the Finlandia Records label; the latest CD with Finnish soprano Mari Palo was published fall 2005.