Music is the artistic genre through which Finland is most renowned abroad. Music education is a vital component of the curriculum, serving to ignite interest in composition and ensuring a future audience that appreciates and engages with music positively. At the forefront of Finnish music is Jean Sibelius, whose works encapsulate the evolving consciousness of the Finnish people. His most famous composition, “Finlandia,” was performed as an overture in 1900, a remarkable event considering it preceded Finland’s independence by 17 years.
Today, Finland boasts a plethora of talented and influential conductors and composers. In the new millennium, Finnish rock and metal music have gained increasing recognition worldwide. Bands such as HIM, Children of Bodom, Lordi, Nightwish, The Rasmus, Sonata Arctica, and others have achieved international acclaim, showcasing Finland’s vibrant music scene across the globe.