8.12. Composer Jean Sibelius celebrated

Jean Sibelius was born on the 8th of December in 1865. He was a Finnish composer of classical music and one of the most notable composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

The music of Sibelius played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. The best-known compositions of Sibelius include Finlandia, Valse Triste, the Violin Concerto, the Karelia Suite, The Swan of Tuonela and the Symphonies. Many of his works were inspired by the Finnish national epic Kalevala.

Sibelius died on 20th of September in 1957. The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is dedicated to Jean Sibelius. The monument is located in the Sibelius Park (Sibeliuspuisto). Ainola - The home of Aino and Jean Sibelius located in Järvenpää, and the house where Sibelius was born in Hämeenlinna are museums today.

For more information about Jean Sibelius:

http://www.sibelius.fi/english/index.htm