Grande Finale: Sakari Oramo signs off with a Sibelius Showcase

After 13 magnificent years as chief conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Sakari Oramo signs off with a four-concert Grande Finale Festival 19–29 May, focussing on the music of his Finnish compatriot, Jean Sibelius. 

Oramo conducts all of Sibelius’s symphonies in order, from the sweeping Romanticism of the First to the atmospheric one-movement Seventh (actually premiered in 1924 by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sibelius himself. 

Adding to this, the Violin Concerto with soloist Lisa Batiashvili, soprano Anu Komsi singing the tone poem Luonnotar and cellist Johannes Rostamo in the rarely heard Two pieces for cello and orchestra.

“With Sibelius I dig deep – ’de profundis’. His music begins deep underground and rises up towards the stars”, says Sakari Oramo. “I believe the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s sound is incredibly well suited to the music of Sibelius. It has a certain lightness – we could call it Nordic if you like – but also, that austere depth.”

The four concerts are livestreamed on Konserthuset Play, for free worldwide (no login required)

Links:

Take me to the Grande Finale festival

More on Sakari Oramo and Sibelius (including liner notes)

Grande Finale I: Wednesday 19 May 19.30
Symphonies No. 1 and 2

Grande Finale II: Saturday 22 May 15.00
Symphonies No. 3 and 4 and Luonnotar. 

Grande Finale III: Wednesday 26 May 19.30
Symphony No. 5 and the Violin Concerto.

Grande Finale IV: Saturday 29 May 15.00
Symphonies No. 6 and 7 and Two pieces for cello and orchestra