Season 2026–2027

Helsinki · Finland

Join and welcome!

“Where words fail, music speaks.” — Hans Christian Andersen

First, get to know our FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child hasn’t reached Grade 3 yet?
  • We ask for roughly UK Grade 3–5 level, but the audition is about fit and potential as much as polish — we’re building the Helsinki Youth Orchestra from its first rehearsal.
  • We will have ensemble opportunities for beginning students (Foundation Strings) as well as more advanced students (Chamber Ensemble) — please refer to our curriculum page for more information, or email us at hello@helyo.fi.
What do I need to play for an audition?
  • ONE scale, 2 OR 3 octaves – in ONE of the following keys: D major, G major, C major
  • ONE piece of music of your choice (2 minutes maximum — if the piece is longer, your auditioner may cut your performance short)
Where exactly do rehearsals happen?
  • St. Nicholas — Mikael Agricola Church in Helsinki. Weekly rehearsals on Mondays from 16:30-19:00.
  • Tehtaankatu 23, Helsinki — rehearsals are held in the Gym (to the left of the church from the main entrance)
How much does it cost, and what’s included?
  • €800 for the full season (€450 per term), covering weekly rehearsals, sectionals, small-group instruction, two main concerts, and futher chamber performance opportunities — 50+ hours of instruction and performance time in total.
Is there anything over the summer?

We’re planning a week-by-week summer strings day camp for June, priced in line with other Helsinki day camps. Let us know you’re interested! — hello@helyo.fi

Application Form

Ready to join?

Fill out the form below with your child’s age, instrument, and playing level, and we’ll be in touch to arrange an initial meeting or audition.

Any questions?

Get in touch

Email hello@helyo.fi
Parent/guardian full name
Preferred contact language (English / Finnish)
Child's full name
Instrument (Violin / Viola / Cello / Bass)
Current level
We're interested in starting private lessons
Does your child have their own instrument, or would they need to rent one?
Season or term enrollment (Full season €800 / Per term €450)
Interested in a Founding Member seat, if available for this instrument?
Photo/video consent for use in marketing materials
From time to time, we take photographs and video during rehearsals, concerts, and events to share on the HELYO website, social media, and in promotional materials. This helps us celebrate our members’ progress and share the orchestra with the wider community. By checking this box, you consent to your child being photographed or filmed during HELYO activities, and to HELYO using these images for the purposes described above. Images will never be captioned with identifying details such as your child’s school or home address. You may withdraw this consent at any time by contacting us at hello@helyo.fi — we will remove any future use of your child’s image, though we can’t guarantee removal from materials already printed or distributed.