Artists
Osmo Vänskä – conductor
Sol Gabetta – cello
Programme
Elgar Cello Concerto
— Interval —
Wagner Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde
Sibelius Symphony No. 7
Intimate and intense, the Cello Concerto was Elgar’s response to the devastation and destruction caused by World War I. Sol Gabetta, described as “a dazzling virtuoso” (The Guardian), joins the Orchestra as soloist. It has become a firm audience favourite, and was a favourite of Elgar’s, too.
Sibelius was hailed by critics in his lifetime as “the greatest master of the symphony since the death of Beethoven”. He forged a voice that was distinctly Finnish, and just as distinctly his own. His Symphony No. 7 packs tremendous emotional power into its seamless single movement.
Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, the musical embodiment of passionate longing, makes a fitting companion piece.
This concert was originally advertised with cellist Truls Mørk and conductor Tabita Berglund. Unfortunately neither are able to join us – Truls Mørk has a muscular injury and Tabita Berglund has Covid. We are grateful to Sol Gabetta and Osmo Vänskä for stepping in.
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