The Finnish Radio Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon - CD review, June 13th 2026

Gustav Holst - Suite Op, 32, The Planets

Premiere album, released on June 5th

The Finnish Radio Symphonic Orchestra, one of the most prestigious European ensembles, is celebrating one century since its founding next year. Since the 2021-2022 season, the main conductor of this Helsinki orchestra is Nicholas Collon, an acclaimed musician, appreciated for his elegant conducting style, founder and director of the Aurora Orchestra in London.

This recent album (released by the Finnish label Ondine Records) was recorded under the baton of the renowned British musician. It features the most important work of Gustav Holst, The Planets suite, but also a work by the Finnish composer Vaino Raitio, Moonlight on Jupiter, two pieces that share cosmic-like sound dimensions, transposed into music.

The suite Op. 32 The Planets, created between 1914-1917 by the British composer Gustav Holst, is a work of electrifying and mystical sonorities, outstandingly performed by the Finnish Radio Symphonic Orchestra, having a vast palette of nuances and a musical discourse rich in diverse timbral effects. The last part of this suite, Neptune, was recorded with the Helsinki Chamber Choir, an ensemble that is part of the Finnish Broadcasting Company.