In the same house

Åbo Akademi: Musicology 1968–2012 and Art History 1968–1987

When the current Sibelius Museum building was opened in 1968, the museum didn’t move in alone. Art History within Åbo Akademi worked in the building until 1987, and Musicology did the same until 2012. The building had spaces for education as well as offices for staff. After the discipline departments moved out, the spaces have been acquired by the museum.

Akademiska Orkestern

Åbo Akademi Symphony Orchestra, Akademiska Orkestern, was founded in 1928. The orchestra has practiced in the Sibelius Museum since 1968. The orchestra has about 55 musicians and it organises concerts several times a year. John Rosas and Gottfrid Gräsbeck, among others, have worked as conductors for the orchestra. The orchestra’s current artistic director is Sauli Huhtala.

Brahe Djäknar

The Åbo Akademi male choir, Brahe Djäknar, BD, was founded in 1937. The choir has practiced in the Sibelius Museum since 1968. BD has about 45 singers and it performs concerts several times a year, often with Florakören. The choir’s name is a reference to the 17th century founder of the Turku Royal Academy, Per Brahe. Brahe Djäknar has been led by people like John Rosas, Gottfrid Gräsbeck and Ulf Långbacka. The current artistic director is Hanna Kronqvist.

Florakören

The Åbo Akademi treble choir Florakören was founded in 1944. The choir has practiced in the Sibelius Museum since 1968. The choir has about 60 singers and it performs concerts several times a year, often with Brahe Djäknar. The choir has been led by Otto Andersson, John Rosas, Gottfrid Gräsbeck and Ulf Långbacka. The current artistic director is Hanna Kronqvist.