Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Experience the stunning musical landscapes of the far north in this enchanting program. Maybe it’s the extreme isolation, focusing the creative mind. Perhaps it’s growing up surrounded by stunning natural beauty. There is no denying Finland has produced more than its share of exquisite orchestral music. Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska conducts this program of works by her homeland’s greatest composers – Sibelius’ extraordinary Fifth Symphony, Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Cantus Arcticus and Kaija Saariaho’s Harp Concerto featuring soloist Xavier de Maistre. As Chief Conductor of the acclaimed Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Stasevska has a natural affinity for Sibelius’ imagery. Her interpretations are fresh and exciting, delivered with a deft precision that can only be Finnish. Soloist Xavier de Maistre weaves crystalline moments of beauty, cascading in kaleidoscopic fashion in the harp concerto written especially for him by the extraordinary Kaija Saariaho. Voted the greatest living composer by BBC Music Magazine, this is an important moment to celebrate the now departed giant of the world of music. PROGRAM RAUTAVAARA Cantus Arcticus SAARIAHO Trans for Harp and Orchestra SIBELIUS Symphony No.5 ARTISTS DALIA STASEVSKA conductor XAVIER DE MAISTRE harp