Finnish Fantasy

Sibelius’s unique late symphonies are a world unto themselves. From the very first notes, you’re drawn into a fantasy landscape both other-worldly and dreamlike. Although they tell no specific story, the natural wonder of Finland with its forests, lakes, vast plains and birds flying overhead served Sibelius as an important source of inspiration. After his Seventh Symphony, Sibelius felt he had nothing more to say. Thus began the 33 year ‘silence of Järvenpää’, named after the town where Sibelius lived until his death.

This all-Finnish programme is in good hands with Santtu-Matias Rouvali, who made his Concertgebouworkest debut in January 2020. The Finnish conductor will be succeeding his compatriot Esa-Pekka Salonen as principal conductor of the London Philharmonia Orchestra in the 2021–22 season. Now he will lead the Concertgebouw Orchestra in a concert which is streamed live through concertgebouworkest.nl.

This concert programme was made possible in part by the Anita Nijboer Fund.