Orchestra activities have already started in Vaasa at the end of the 19th century, but the activities of Vaasa Orkesteriyhdistys ry - Vasa Orkesterförening rf are considered to have started when it was registered as an association in 1930. From the beginning, the orchestra has operated in the both two domestic languages, Finnish and Swedish and now also in English with foreign students.
The amateur orchestra Wasa Sinfonietta, maintained by the orchestra association, ranges in age from 18 to 80 years, from students to working-age and pensioners. This activity is suitable for those who already have previous playing experience of playing in an orchestra, for example from a music college or professional studies.
The repertoire of past years has been of a high standard and the orchestra has been honored to have wonderful professionals as soloists. Among others, Camilla Nylund-Saris, Anton Saris, Essi Luttinen, Juha Kotilainen, Olli-Pekka Tuomisalo, Maano Männi, Pentti Hietanen, Jenny Sandelin, Kaisa Ranta, Elja Puukko, Petri Kumela, Juhani Romppanen, Monica Heikius, Johanna Ristolainen, Mika Nisula and Alessandro Borgomanero have performed with the orchestra.
Numerous choirs and ensembles have acted as copartners over the years. Nowadays, the orchestra has diversified and expanded its activities by also collaborating with bands who mostly play popular music. However, the main core of the activity is still performing classical music.
The orchestra association has both organized and participated as a practice orchestra over the years in both national and international conducting courses. Ville Mankkinen is currently the conductor of the orchestra.
