Mikkeli City Orchestra (Mikkelin kaupunginorkesteri) evolved from Mikkeli Orchestra (Mikkelin Orkesteri), the oldest amateur orchestra in Finland founded in 1903. In 1990 the orchestra became municipal string ensemble of 12 musicians.

Over the past five years the orchestra has concentrated especially in string orchestra repertoire and it has aroused attention by ambitious programme readiness to collaborate with young talented conductors.

In order to diversify its concert offering, it engages in numerous other partnerships as well. Mikkeli Music Institute and Savo Military Band participate in the planning of each season. Oratorio Choir has been formed to perform sacred works with the City Orchestra. Joint concerts with other orchestras have become a regular occurrence.

The number of commissioned and outside concerts given by Mikkeli City Orchestra has risen steadily. Travelling is no problem for a small band of string players who can handle a full concert even without a conductor.

In autumn 2002 the orchestra released a CD of polish music and in February 2005 with Leif Segerstam.