The Oulu Symphony Orchestra is the northernmost symphony orchestra in Finland, performing weekly in the Madetoja Hall of the Oulu Music Centre. Seasonal concerts are the orchestra’s strong foundation. The programme is complemented by a variety of concert content, including operas and stage productions, film concerts, ethnic and jazz music and other rhythm music concerts. There is a regular programme for children and young people. In recent years, the autumn season has begun with outreach concerts to service homes and schools throughout the Oulu area.
In recent decades , the orchestra has been conducted and developed by Urpo Pesonen, Paavo Rautio, Onni Kelo , Rauno Rännäli, Ari Angervo, Peeter Lilje, Arvo Volmer, Dmitri Slobodeniouk and Anna-Maria Helsing. John Storgårds, Susanna Mälkki and Jaakko Kuusisto were the main guests . In January 2022, Rumon Gamba took over as Principal Conductor of the orchestra.