Kaartin Soittokunta

Kaartin soittokunta (The Guards Band) is the oldest operational orchestra in Finland, founded in Parola on April 1, 1819 during the Grand Duchy period. It is an official representative military band of the Finnish Defence Forces. The orchestra plays mostly classical, military and march music in various official and public events. The band's most important annual concerts are the Töölö concerts (four free wind music concerts in Temppeliaukio Church of Helsinki), entertainment concerts in spring at Finlandia Hall and a classical concert in Helsinki Music Centre.

As of 2013, Kaartin soittokunta consists of a chief (music major Jyrki Koskinen), a conductor (music captain Ville Paakkunainen)) and 48 musicians. It is the only full professional symphonic wind band in Finland.

During its history the orchestra has operated under various names:

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