The Tapiola Choir was founded in 1963. In the course of its existence it has evolved from a Finnish school choir into one of the best-known ensembles in the choral world.

The members of the Choir are versatile young musicians aged 9 to 18, every one of which plays at least one instrument in addition to singing. From the very first, the Choir has been founded on the concept that children and adolescents can be quite as accomplished as performing artists as adults.

Several Finnish and foreign composers have written music for the Tapiola Choir. Collaboration with composers has extended not only to premiering new works but also active participation by the Choir in the composition process itself. The Choir has a highly diverse repertoire, being equally at home at a contemporary music festival and at a jazz concert. Classical concert music and folk music are also familiar.

The Choir has won several distinguished choral competitions. After winning the Silver Rose Bowl at the prestigious Let the Peoples Sing competition organized by the BBC in 1971, the Choir has undertaken more than 60 international tours, three of them circumnavigating the globe. The Choir currently logs about 50 performances per year in Finland and abroad.

In 1996, the Tapiola Choir was awarded the UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of the Performing Arts. This was the first time that this internationally important prize had been awarded to a recipient in the field of music.

The Choir’s performances are characterized by a natural Finnish style of singing and a rich combination of singing, playing instruments and movement. Collaboration with contemporary composers and international activities are also important. The Choir encourages its members to act independently and to take responsibility.

Top artistic performance stems from a broad-based musical education. The joy of singing and making music, the apparent ease of performance and the licence to be a child are conveyed to audiences through the highest quality in music and natural expression. These factors are the building blocks of what critics abroad have dubbed the Tapiola Sound.

The Choir’s new Artistic Director from 2008 is Pasi Hyökki, who began his artistic career in the Choir’s ranks.