Jean Sibelius

Jean Sibelius was born to a Swedish-speaking family in Hämeenlinna, Finland, then part of the Russian Empire.

Sibelius began his formal musical education with piano lessons, showing early promise and a deep interest in music.

Sibelius enrolled in the University of Helsinki to study law, but his passion for music soon led him to focus on composition and violin.

Sibelius transferred to the Helsinki Music Institute (now the Sibelius Academy) to study composition and violin under Martin Wegelius.

Sibelius traveled to Berlin to continue his musical studies, immersing himself in the European classical music scene.

After returning to Finland, Sibelius composed his first major work, the choral symphony 'Kullervo,' based on the Kalevala epic.

Sibelius married Aino Järnefelt, the daughter of a prominent Finnish military commander, in a ceremony that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

Sibelius composed the symphonic poem 'Finlandia,' which became an iconic symbol of Finnish nationalism and resistance against Russian rule.

'Finlandia' was premiered in Stockholm, Sweden, gaining international recognition and establishing Sibelius as a leading composer.

Sibelius completed his Symphony No. 2, which received critical acclaim and further solidified his reputation as a master of symphonic form.

Sibelius and his family moved to a newly built home in Järvenpää, where he would live and compose for the rest of his life.

Sibelius completed his Symphony No. 5, a work that is considered one of his most profound and innovative compositions.

Sibelius completed his Symphony No. 7, a single-movement symphony that is noted for its radical structure and emotional depth.

Sibelius, known as 'The Silence of Järvenpää,' ceased composing publicly, though he continued to work privately on unfinished projects.

Jean Sibelius died at his home in Järvenpää, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most significant composers of the late Romantic and early modern periods.