The 31 musicians of Vaasa City Orchestra form a high-quality chamber orchestra. In addition to classical concert programmes, the orchestra performs chamber music, light music, children’s concerts, and opera. Most concerts take place in the Festive Hall of Vaasa City Hall, located in the city centre.

Collaboration with other regional orchestras is an integral part of its activities. Each year, the Vaasa City Orchestra also produces opera productions in cooperation with the Vaasa City Theatre, and during the summer season is active at music festivals and events.

Since 1999, the orchestra has participated in the International Jorma Panula Conducting Competition, organised every three years by the Viljo and Maire Vuorio Foundation, as well as in Jorma Panula’s conducting courses.

The orchestra’s current Chief Conductor is Anna-Maria Helsing, and its composer-in-residence is Markus Fagerudd. Regular concert activity in Vaasa began in 1930 with the founding of a local orchestra association. The Vaasa City Orchestra became a municipal orchestra in 1974.