Client: Finlandia Hall
Event: Opening ceremony
Time: 23.1.2025
Venue: Finlandia Hall, Helsinki
The grand reopening of the renewed Finlandia Hall was an unforgettable experience. More than just an inauguration, it was a relaunch of a cultural landmark.
The guests already had goosebumps during the overture. The organ, fitted into the architecture of Finlandia Hall, is as much Alvar Aalto’s masterpiece as Intrada is Sibelius’. Now they resonated together, performed by organist Jan Lehtola.
When Finlandia Hall opened its doors after three years of extensive renovations, it was clear that the venue had not been forgotten. The anticipation had been high, and Wolttigroup was given the honour of designing and producing the opening event.
As a venue, Finlandia Hall is at once a conference centre, banquet hall and concert stage. This versatility was reflected in the colourful guest list and multidisciplinary program of the opening night. Among the 1,300 invitees were diplomats, artists, event professionals and media representatives.
It’s impossible to choose a single highlight from the evening’s stage program. Each performance resonated with different audiences in a unique way.
For many, it was the first encounter with sand artist Daria Jokinen or the modern ethno-pop of Vilma Jää—both leaving a lasting impression. The program’s guiding principle was not “something for everyone,” but rather “something new for everyone.” The same spirit was embodied by the Sibelius Upper Secondary School Choir’s arrangement, The New Finlandia.
Speeches from the Minister of Culture, city leaders and Finlandia Hall’s management found their place seamlessly among the performances, as did moments of reflection on the venue’s history narrated by the hosts. The talented Vesala raised the atmosphere to the roof as the evening’s headliner.
