ABSTRACT
In the musical life of Western cities, the activities and maintenance of orchestras and bands have played a key role, because ‘no other institution has been such a significant status symbol for the cultural well-being and national or regional visibility as a symphony orchestra’. The orchestral activities in the major cities of Finland in the nineteenth century have been studied extensively. The development of orchestral activities in Vaasa and Pori had much in common with the musical life of larger cities in Finland. In Pori and Vaasa, the main difference compared to the larger cities was the role of military musicians. In the nineteenth century, there was a constant need for outdoor brass music in European cities and spa resorts. Brass music was needed to heighten the spirit at public festivities, to provide entertainment in parks and promenades and to accompany ‘taking waters’ at spas.
