Jean Sibelius, originally named Johan Julius Christian Sibelius, was born on December 8, 1865, in Hämeenlinna, Finland. He is celebrated as Finland's greatest composer and a leading figure in the late Romantic and early modern periods of music. Sibelius's compositions are credited with fostering Finnish national identity during a time of Russian influence.

Sibelius was raised in a Swedish-speaking household, but he attended the Finnish Normal School, where he was introduced to Finnish literature and the national epic, the Kalevala, which became a significant source of inspiration for his music. Initially intending to pursue a legal career, he soon shifted his focus entirely to music, studying under Martin Wegelius in Helsinki and later in Berlin and Vienna under Robert Fuchs and Karl Goldmark.

Sibelius's breakthrough came with the performance of his Kullervo Symphony in 1892, which established him as Finland's leading composer. His notable works include Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse triste, and The Swan of Tuonela. He composed seven symphonies, which form the core of his oeuvre, and numerous other works inspired by nature, Nordic mythology, and the Kalevala.

Despite his prolific output until the mid-1920s, Sibelius entered a long period of creative silence after completing his Seventh Symphony and the tone poem Tapiola. This "silence of Järvenpää" lasted until his death on September 20, 1957, in Järvenpää, Finland. Although he ceased producing major works, Sibelius remained engaged with music, re-editing earlier compositions and writing Masonic music.

Sibelius's legacy is honored in Finland, where his image appeared on the 100 mark note until the euro's adoption in 2002. His birthday, December 8, is celebrated as the Day of Finnish Music. In 2015, the 150th anniversary of his birth was marked by special concerts and events, particularly in Helsinki.