Sibelius Lemminkäinen with Santtu-Matias Rouvali

Programme

Colour, theatrical flair and Finnish myth combine in a programme full of energy and atmosphere.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali leads the orchestra from the sardonic sparkle of Stravinsky’s Jeu de cartes to the darkly compelling world of Sibelius. Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 sits at the heart of the evening, bringing brilliance, lyricism and relentless momentum in one of the great tests of virtuosity, tonight performed by Beatrice Rana. Rouvali’s most recent Philharmonia appearances showed the qualities The Guardian memorably described as “fearless and fiery”, making him an ideal guide to music this vivid and sharply characterised.

Sibelius’s Lemminkäinen Suite brings the evening to a powerful close. Originally conceived as a mythological opera, the music instead became four richly atmospheric orchestral legends inspired by Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala. They follow the adventures of the fearless and impulsive hero Lemminkäinen, whose extraordinary journey includes a visit to the underworld, being cut into pieces and cast into the River of Death, and an astonishing resurrection by his mother. Along the way comes the haunting ‘The Swan of Tuonela’, whose unforgettable cor anglais solo has become one of Sibelius’s most cherished melodies. This is an evening of bold character and strong atmosphere, full of music that dazzles, surprises and sweeps the listener into another world.