Thank youThank youThank you
Cellofest 2025, the 4th edition of Cellofest, was another success story for the books. For this we want to express our sincere and deep gratitude to our artists, audience, partners, supporters and sponsors. Without you none of this would have been possible.
Cellofest – Cello Around the World displayed a particularly high level of artistry throughout its nine days of concerts and masterclasses from October 1–9 2025. The festival brought together 26 exceptional artists of 15 different nationalities for 11 concerts, 9 masterclasses, and a total of 25 events ranging from solo recitals to collaborative performances and workshops. The week was marked by vibrant energy, and a warm, international atmosphere that truly celebrated the spirit of cello music.
Audiences turned out across the city: the total live audience for concerts was nearly 5000. With the various streams of events and masterclasses we reached over 30 000 viewers across the globe via live stream and recording. The most watched event via video was Jian Wang’s masterclass on the 7th of October. The Helsinki Philharmonic’s live stream of the Light And Power concert on the 9th October has been watched over 1800 times live and via recording.
Cellofest continued its mission to promote diversity and accessibility in cello and classical music, connecting emerging and established artists, local and international audiences, and a wide range of collaborators. Beyond artistic excellence, the festival had also again a pedagogical approach in fostering exchange, learning, and genuine connection between artists and audiences alike.
Cellofest warmly thanks Svenska kulturfonden, the City of Helsinki, the Sibelius Academy Foundation, Jousisoitinliike Toonika, BNP Paribas, Thomastik-Infeld, the Embassy of Portugal, Portuguese Learning Centre Instituto Camões, Oodi Central Library, Savoy Theatre, Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Helsinki Conservatory of Music, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Kultur- och musikskolan Sandels, Noise Traffic Festival at Vapaan Taiteen Tila, Bistro Dagmar, Hotel F6, and Galerie Donner for making this year’s festival possible.
Wednesday 1 – Tuesday 7 October 2025 | every day at 12:00
Bach x Oodi
Oodi Central Library
Thursday 2 October 2025 | 13:00–15:30
Cello masterclass with Jens Peter Maintz
Concert Hall, Sibelius Academy, R-House
Thursday 2 October 2025
Cello masterclass with Martti Rousi
Pikkusali, Sibelius Academy R Building
Saturday 4 October 2025 | 14:00
La Grande Follia
Galerie Donner
Camerata, Helsinki Music Centre
Saturday 4 October 2025 | 13-16
Cello masterclass with Steven Doane
Kultur- ovh musikskolan Sandels, Gyllenbergsalen
Sunday 5 October 2025 | 13:30-16:30
Cello masterclass with Steven Doane
Helsingin konservatorio
Sunday 5 October 2025 | 18:00
Thomastik Infeld Workshop with Attila Pasztor
Camerata, Helsinki Music Centre
Monday 6 October 2025 | 13:00–15:30
Cello masterclass with Jens Peter Maintz
Camerata, Helsinki Music Centre
Tuesday 7 October 2025 | 13:30–16:00
Cello masterclass with Jian Wang
Concert Hall, Sibelius Academy R Building
Wednesday 8 October 2025 | 10-11:30
THE NEXT GENERATION: Concert and panel discussion with young cellists ft. Dr. Guadalupe López-Íñiguez & María Alejandra Conde
Chamber Music Hall, Sibelius Academy R Building
Wednesday 8 October 2025 | 12:00-15:00
Cello masterclass with Erkki Lahesmaa
Kamarimusiikkisali, Sibelius Academy R Building
Wednesday 8 October 2025 | 19:00
Valo ja voima – Light and power
Concert Hall, Helsinki Music Centre
Friday 9 October 2025 | 12:00-15:00
Cello masterclass with Joona Pulkkinen
Pikkusali, Sibelius Academy R Building
Thursday 9 October 2025 | 19:00
Valo ja voima – Light and power
Concert Hall, Helsinki Music Centre
Let the 4th edition Cellofest take you around the world.
After a record-breaking Cellofest 2023 that uncovered musical mysteries, we excitedly invite you to the 4th edition of Cellofest – Cello Around the World.
From October 1st to 9th, 2025, Helsinki will once again resonate with the sound of cellos from all over the globe. This year’s theme celebrates the rich, border-crossing language of the cello: a sound that many of us find joy and comfort in. The festival will be launched in a Gala concert at the Helsinki Savoy Theatre by a celebration of some of the most iconic cello pieces, and will wrap up with a collaboration between the winner of 2023 International Paulo Cello Competition, the luminous Luka Coetzee and the Helsinki CIty Orchestra. We will, of course, yet again be bringing a daily dose of Bach into the Oodi Central Library, performed by some of the most promising young artists, and the journey will also take us to Galerie Donner.
Since its founding in 2019, Cellofest has brought together young talents, world-renowned artists, and curious audiences for a shared journey into the soul of the cello. In 2023, that journey included three world premieres, Nordic gems, and daily Bach Matinées that filled Oodi Library with quiet intensity. We reached over 8,000 listeners across continents.