Finnish star conductor and ‘our greatest living Sibelian‘, Osmo Vänskä, will join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the music of legendary Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and the beauty of their homeland. 

Sibelius’ music is intimately connected to the expansive beauty of his native Finland. His poetic notes hang in the air like snowflakes; with wind whistling through frozen forests, the music is a sensory delight. For this event, Vänskä has chosen pieces that bring to life Finnish myths and legends through Sibelius’ rich and evocative soundworld: the creation of the world in  Luonnotar and the heroic  Lemminkäinen  Suite  including the beloved  The Swan of Tuonela.

Vänskä is joined by acclaimed Finnish soprano Helena Juntunen for a selection of five songs inspired by Finnish folklore. Juntunen ‘commands her audience’s attention’ with a ‘shimmering stream of glistening tone’ (Bachtrack), and is the ideal singer for these heartfelt, richly textured works.

ARTISTS

OSMO VÄNSKÄ conductor
HELENA JUNTUNEN soprano

PROGRAM

SIBELIUS
Pohjola’s Daughter
Three Songs:
Höstkväll
Hertig Magnus
Våren flyktar hastigt
The Bard
Luonnotar
Lemminkäinen Suite