a peek into Sibelius’ finland

capturing music in a Monument

The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is one of the capital’s most visited and adored attractions. It is located in the Sibelius Park, in the district of Töölö, just a stone throw away from the sea. The abstract – and at the time controversial – monument was unveiled in 1967. The aim of this majestic piece is to capture the essence of Sibelius’ music – many would agree that it lives to expectations.

BirthTOWN of Jean Sibelius

A perfect place to start the walk through Sibelius’ life is in his hometown in the city of Hämeenlinna, about 98 kilometres northwest of Helsinki. Here Sibelius went to school, explored the forests, spent hours fishing in the lake, and skiing in winter.

As a young boy Sibelius especially loved the forest in Aulanko, currently a Nature Reserve Park.

…and the house sibelius was born in

Jean Sibelius was born on a cold winter’s day, with -17 degrees celsius outside, on December 8, 1865.

He was born in a quaint and small wooden house, built in 1834, near the old church and the main market square. It is now a museum and a place of pilgrimage for Sibelius’ fans. Although his life in this house was quite short lived, he is often quoted on one of his fondest childhood memories of this time: the aroma of his father’s cigar in the house.

On one of the walls of the museum hang paintings from the Sibelius nursery and his piano is also there on display. Students of the Hämeenlinna Sibelius College often give concerts in the museum.

The Villa of Ainola

In 1904 Jean Sibelius and his wife Aino moved to Ainola on the shores of Lake Tuusula. The land was expensive but Sibelius needed the distance and peace of mind to concentrate on his work.

The house was designed by Lars Sonck, one of the cutting edge architects of the time. Ainola was the Sibelius’ home for over half a century and it was in here where Sibelius composed most of his works. The first major compositions he completed at Ainola were his Violin Concerto and his Third Symphony.

Late night drinking at the Kämp

Hotel Kämp in central Helsinki was by far Sibelius’ favorite hangout place. Together with other great names – such as the great painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela and national poet Eino Leino – Sibelius frequented the bar so often that even his music has reputedly been inspired by the place. Hotel Kämp is 125 years old today and as magnificent as ever.