Jukka-Pekka Saraste and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra launch Sibelius Cycle with Ondine

Jukka-Pekka Saraste and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) launch a major new recording project with the record label Ondine: “Sibelius & Saraste” will be a complete recording of Jean Sibelius' symphonies to be released internationally in digital and physical formats on June 5, 2026. The HPO and Ondine have entered into a collaboration agreement under which the orchestra will record several internationally distributed releases for the Ondine label over the coming years.

For Saraste, chief conductor of HPO, the project represents both a personal artistic journey and a continuation of one of the most important Sibelius traditions in the world. Few orchestras are as closely connected to the composer’s music as the HPO, which premiered all Sibelius symphonies except the Seventh.

“When I became Music Director of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, we shared a strong desire to create our own interpretation, our version of the Sibelius symphonies. For generations, ever since Sibelius’ own time, this orchestra has been performing his music — it is truly part of its DNA. Rehearsing and performing these symphonies with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra was a very inspiring experience, and I am sure that listeners will be able to feel our enthusiasm and commitment throughout these recordings”, says Jukka-Pekka Saraste.

Throughout its history, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra has played a central role in interpreting the music of Sibelius: the orchestra premiered the majority of Sibelius’s orchestral works under the composer’s own direction. It has performed Sibelius’s music hundreds of times both in Finland and internationally, beginning with its first concert tour abroad to the 1900 Paris Exposition.

The orchestra has previously recorded the complete Sibelius symphonies twice. The first complete cycle was recorded in 1984–87 under the direction of conductor Paavo Berglund, and the second in 2002–2004 under then Chief Conductor Leif Segerstam. This third complete cycle, recorded under Jukka-Pekka Saraste, has also been captured and released as high-quality multi-camera productions.

The HPO has played a significant role in Ondine’s more than 40-year history. Together with the orchestra, it has created a highly regarded discography that includes several internationally award-winning recordings.

Further insights into "Sibelius & Saraste" can be found in the interview with Jukka-Pekka Saraste HERE.

© Saara Autere