Finnish music knows no boundaries—it is filled with a variety of sounds. In the Independence Day gala concert of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Nicholas Collon conducts music by three fascinatingly different Finnish composers. The late Kaija Saariaho gazed into the winter sky, and saw infinities beyond the belt of Orion. And of course, the Kalevala needs no introduction – though as Nicholas Collon shows, Uuno Klami’s colourful retelling still has a few surprises up its sleeve.Jean Sibelius composed Finlandia in 1899, inspired by the oppressive actions of the Russians. The piece, which expresses a national longing for freedom, has become famous all over the world. The concert was recorded at the Helsinki Music Centre on December 6, 2025.