AFP - Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen officially opened the 188 million euro ($271 million) Helsinki Music Centre concert hall Wednesday, nearly a decade after construction began.

"The Music Centre lays a foundation for Finnish culture and art to grow and become stronger," Katainen said in a speech at the gala opening.

He said the concert hall mirrors Finnish society in many ways, insisting that "culture and art are virtues in and of themselves. They represent spiritual well-being and create meaningful experiences in our lives."

The inaugural programme, performed by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO), christened the hall with works by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring".

Earlier Wednesday, RSO oboist Paevi Kaerkaes told AFP between rehearsals for the night's concert that the acoustics of the new hall were stunning, and allowed the orchestra to play with much greater subtelty and sensitivity.

"It's just incredible how the composer's thoughts and the composition come alive and float through this space so vividly," she said.

Kaerkaes and her orchestra have until now played at the Finlandia Hall next door, designed by legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to resemble a swan's wing, but experts have long agreed the acoustics there leave much to be desire.

The new centre was dreamed up by Finnish architect agency LPR, while world-famous Japanese acoustic designer Yasuhisa Toyota designed the main concert hall.

Kaerkaes said that performing in the new Centre after playing for 30 years in Finlandia Hall was like "seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time".

The nearly round, arena-like feel of the main hall seats 1,704 people and allows visitors to sit somewhat behind the orchestra.

The idea for a new music venue in Helsinki was floated in 1992 by the renowned Sibelius Music Academy, but it wasn't until 10 years later that the city gave the green light for the start of construction.

The lengthy process was slowed at times by controversy over funding for the massive project and some opposition to the demolition of a 100-year-old train depot to make room for the modern building.