OUR STORY

We are a collective of young American and Finnish artists.
We believe that we are agents of advocacy in the global arts ecosystem.
As citizens, we are responsible for the well-being of our communities and neighbors.
As artists, we are responsible for sharing the discoveries of our musical explorations.

A Sprout of Friendship

The name “Versoi” is a Finnish word meaning “to sprout”.

“The joint ensemble [...] was excellent even through the many challenges of the contemporary fare, as only to be expected from such lofty auspices.”

— The New York Times

In 2017, students from The Juilliard School (New York City) and Sibelius Academy (Helsinki) toured in a joint symphony orchestra to celebrate the centenary of Finnish independence. The ensemble, led by conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, performed in Helsinki, Stockholm and New York to critical acclaim.

This tour planted the beginnings of friendship between the American and Finnish musicians, and inspired a project rooted in cultural diplomacy through chamber music.

PROJECT SUPPORTERS

We are grateful to the U.S. Embassy in Finland for sponsoring our 2021 Juurilla Commissioning Grant and 2022 concerts.

Versoi Ensemble’s 2019 Finland tour was made possible by generous grants from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and the U.S. Embassy in Finland. We are also grateful to the Sibelius Academy and Friends of The Sibelius Academy Foundation for their support.

Versoi Ensemble’s 2018 U.S. tour was made possible by generous grants from Maire and Carl Gustaf Ehrnrooth Foundation, Luxembourg, Finlandia Foundation National, U.S.A, and George J. Jakab Global Enrichment Grant (a Juilliard Project Grant).

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR PROJECT ADVISORS

Anssi Karttunen (Artistic Advisor, Versoi Ensemble)

Leland Hoch (Treasurer, Friends of the Sibelius Academy)

Dr. Erika Sauer (Executive Director, Friends of the Sibelius Academy)

Kaarlo Hildén (Rector, University of the Arts Helsinki)

Ara Guzelimian (Dean and Provost, The Juilliard School)

Adam Meyer (Director, Music Division and Deputy Dean of the College, The Juilliard School)

Joseph Soucy (Assistant Dean for Orchestral Studies, The Juilliard School)

The original Versoi Ensemble logo was designed by New York-based designer Eileen Kim.

Visual identity by Days Agency.