Our season begins with a flourish with works from Finland, spanning over a century. The short tone poem ‘Finlandia’ was written in 1899 to foster patriotic pride in the face of Russian oppression. With dramatic orchestral writing and wonderful melodies, including a sublime chorale, this piece firmly established Sibelius as a mainstream composer.
International prize-winning clarinettist Anna Hashimoto is our soloist for Magnus Lindberg’s extravagant, virtuosic clarinet concerto. Completed in 2002, the concerto was described by BBC Music magazine as “contemporary in language, yet sensuously easy (tuneful, even) on the ear.” This work, at times rhapsodic and ethereal, at times jazzy or majestic, takes us on a journey through a magical world of sound and colour.
Sibelius’s Symphony no.1 in E minor (1899) brought him international acclaim and set him on the path to becoming Finland’s ‘national treasure’ as well as making a significant contribution to the development of symphonic form. The haunting melodies and folk-like tonalities of this work, combined with his trademark rich, layered orchestral textures, beautifully illustrate Sibelius’s unmistakeable style.
Ticket Information
Admission: £20 (adults), £10 (students), £6 (under 14)
West Road Concert Hall
11 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DP (map)By Car
From Junction 12 of the M11:- Drive for approx 1.5 miles into Cambridge (Barton Road)
- Turn left into Grange Road
- Turn 3rd right opposite Rugby Club (West Road)
- We are half way along the right hand side of West Road.