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Orchestra brings Sibelius to Shanghai
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THE Lahti Symphony Orchestra will stage a three-night concert series at the Shanghai Grand Theater as part of its global program to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of famed Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
The orchestra from Finland will perform all seven of Sibelius’ symphonies over the course of the three nights, in addition to his “Violin Concerto in D minor.”
“Though Symphony No. 2 and No. 5 might be better known, each of the other symphonies also features its own characteristics that are worth appreciating,” says Thomas Kinberg, former president of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra who stepped down from his position last year.
Symphonies No. 1 and No. 2 are often described in terms of their romantic tones, while No. 3 and No. 4 are respectively considered more youthful and expressionistic. Symphony No. 5, in Sibelius’ own word, is “a struggle with God.” Symphonies No. 6 and No. 7 are often grouped together into a single-movement fantasia.
The orchestra performs Sibelius’ works every September during the Sibelius Festival in Lahti.
And the maestro’s works also frequently appear on their program list during overseas tours.
“The orchestra usually just rehearses once before performances, as they all know the pieces so well,” says Kinberg.
Sibelius is a towering figure in the cultural history of his country, not only because of the great number of inspired music works he composed, but also for his support of Finland’s struggle for independence from the Russian Empire.
Today, Sibelius remains famous in his homeland for patriotic works like “Finlandia” and “Choral Song to My Fatherland.”
In addition, his piece “The Fool’s
Song of the Spider” was seen as an allusion to the Russian Governor-General Nikolay Bobrikov, while his “Sandels” was meant as an expression of Finland’s desire to defend itself.
Sibelius also composed “Song of the Athenians,” which became a symbol of the Finnish people’s will to fight.
However, Kinberg believes Sibelius’ works transcend the time and place in which they were produced.
“The music of Sibelius is music first and foremost,” he says. “It might be symbolic when you connect it with Finnish history, but that does not stop audiences from appreciating it.”
Date: May 12-14, 7:30pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People’s Ave
Tickets: 80-580 yuan
Tel: 400-106-8686
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