The Chamber Orchestra of Lapland is a unique musical community – from both a Finnish and an international perspective. Maintained by the City of Rovaniemi, it is the most northerly fully-professional orchestra in the European Union, and its 18 players represent five nationalities. Furthermore, it serves a vast region, covering the whole of Finnish Lapland; this is an area bigger than, say, Austria.

The most exciting thing about this orchestra is, however, its programming profile. The Chamber Orchestra of Lapland performs more contemporary music than any other Finnish municipal orchestra, including lesser-known repertoire from different eras in addition to more standard works. Although this programme policy is in a way a consequence of its basic line-up – strings plus wind quintet – it is above all a conscious artistic choice. It has proved extremely successful in every respect and received excellent positive feedback. For me, this artistic odyssey is a source of endless inspiration and stimulation, as is the orchestra’s high international standard. I can warmly recommend the concerts and discs of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland!

John Storgårds