February 15

On February 15, 1493, during his return voyage to Europe, Christopher Columbus penned an open letter proclaiming the wonders of the lands he had encountered. Aboard the ship Niña, he detailed new plant species, unfamiliar animals, and the customs of indigenous peoples. The letter, later widely circulated in Portugal and Spain, helped spark widespread interest in overseas exploration. Columbus’s enthusiastic account fueled European imaginations and ambitions in the Age of Discovery. This epistolary report played a key role in the early colonization efforts of the Americas.

Designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, the cathedral's construction began in the 1830s and was completed in 1852. It was officially inaugurated on February 15 as St. Nicholas' Church, dedicated to Tsar Nicholas I. The white façade and green domes of the cathedral dominate the Senate Square and have become symbols of Helsinki. Built during the period when Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia, the cathedral blended neoclassical design with local influences. Over time, it has hosted important civic ceremonies and religious services. Today, Helsinki Cathedral remains one of Finland's most photographed landmarks and a focal point for both worship and tourism.

In 1940, American composer Paul Creston unveiled his Saxophone Sonata at Carnegie Chamber Music Hall in New York City. The work was commissioned and performed by pioneering saxophonist Cecil Leeson, highlighting the instrument’s concert potential. Creston's neo-classical composition features lyrical melodies, rhythmic vitality, and passages that demand virtuosic flair. The premiere helped legitimize the saxophone in classical music circles and inspired future composers to write for the instrument. Today, Creston’s Saxophone Sonata remains a cornerstone of the 20th-century saxophone repertoire.