Since 1991, the University of Helsinki has each year presented a person or organisation with the Pacius Award for considerable efforts to advance the musical life of the University. The award is given to honour the memory of Pacius. HYMS, the music society of the University of Helsinki, presents the Rector of the University with the candidate for the award.
This year the award goes to Sasha Mäkilä, who is currently Music Director of St. Michel Strings (Mikkeli, Finland) and formerly served as assistant conductor of both the Cleveland Orchestra (USA) and the French National Orchestra (France).