Helsinki Seriös presents international autumn 2026 – major piano concert opens the season

The much-anticipated autumn season 2026 for the Helsinki Seriös chamber music series begins on Sunday, September 6 with an ambitious Beethoven recital by the world-renowned Finnish pianist and conductor Olli Mustonen. The event opens a series of ten concerts, where each occasion highlights the multifaceted expressions of chamber music on an international level. Concerts are held monthly on Sundays at the Sibelius Academy Concert Hall on Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9 in Helsinki, promising a wide palette of musical experiences.

Strong artistic profile and international influences

Olli Mustonen's opening concert illustrates the series' dedication to profound musical exploration. On September 6, Mustonen interprets four of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas: No. 12 in A-flat major Op. 26, No. 13 in E-flat major Op. 27/1, the iconic “Moonlight Sonata” No. 14 in C-sharp minor Op. 27/2, and No. 31 in A-flat major Op. 110. The selection is part of Mustonen's eight-concert Beethoven project, begun in 2017, where he has performed all 32 sonatas – not in chronological order, but creating contrasts between various periods. The project has received great acclaim abroad as well and offers new perspectives on Beethoven's entire oeuvre.

The international character continues throughout the season. The second concert, on September 27, is graced by the vibrant Paddington Trio with violinist Tuulia Hero, cellist Patrick Moriarty, and pianist Stephanie Tang. Celebrated on stages such as Amsterdam's Concertgebouw and Frankfurt's Alte Oper, the trio offers music in Helsinki by Haydn, Mendelssohn, Lindquist, as well as dramatic sounds from Shostakovich's repertoire.

In October, Phantasm, a leading name in Renaissance music, delves into thematic and stylistic breadth with polyphonic music from the 15th and 16th centuries. The ensemble featuring Laurence Dreyfus (treble viol), Jonathan Manson (tenor viol), and Markku Luolajan-Mikkola (bass viol) guides the audience into the ornamented worlds of early European music.

On November 15, Helsinki welcomes Dutch group Calefax, making their Finland debut with an innovative woodwind quintet. Calefax is known for reinterpreting classics and bringing older works to modern audiences, with an arrangement of excerpts from Sergei Prokofiev's ballet "Romeo and Juliet" forming the concert’s highlight.

The season finale takes place on Lucia Day, December 13, providing a warm, contemplative prelude to Christmas. Soprano Erika Baikoff and pianist Keval Shah will then offer an atmospheric Christmas program with room for musical reflection.

All concerts are held in the Sibelius Academy Concert Hall, continuing the series' tradition of bringing together music lovers in a time-honored setting once a month during autumn. Complementing the concert experience is also Feeniks Wine Café, under the direction of Sami Garam, open for guests before the concerts and during intermissions, providing opportunities for fellowship in a pleasant atmosphere.

More information about the concert series and program can be found on the official website: www.helsinkiserios.fi.

• September 6, 2026: Olli Mustonen, Beethoven recital
• September 27, 2026: Paddington Trio
• October 2026: Phantasm (Renaissance music)
• November 15, 2026: Calefax (Romeo & Julia and more)
• December 13, 2026: Erika Baikoff & Keval Shah (Christmas program)