Sibelius, Gringolts and the Violin Concerto

Jean Sibelius' violin concerto will be performed first time since Sibelius' own time on instruments like the ones that were used then.

The Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO) and the conductor Tomas Djupsjöbacka continue their period sound exploration of the music of Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). This time, the programme consist of his beloved violin concerto as well as the fourth symphony, one of Sibelius’ most visionary works. The soloist of the violin concerto is Ilya Gringolts, one of the absolute top violinists of today and a long time collaborator of FiBO. 

Around the time of the conception of the violin concerto (1904/1905), Sibelius had the opportunity to move to the peace and quiet of Ainola. The first version of the concerto was however still composed in the bustling city, during a time when the composer’s lifestyle included long nights out. The concerto merges the virtuoso tradition of the Romantic era with a new kind of conception of form as well as an original national colour.

Sibelius’ fourth symphony (1911) was his take on the modernism of his time. The symphony is a strangely charming statement that references different styles at the same time as it deviates from them. The composer himself characterised the work as his credo and a manly fight for life. The transparent and sensitive sound of FiBO’s period instruments is well suited to show off the harsh masterwork in a new light.

Sibelius, Gringolts and the Violin Concerto
A Unique Performance on Period Instruments

Sibelius

Ilya Gringolts, violin
Finnish Baroque Orchestra
Tomas Djupsjöbacka, conductor

Musiikkitalo - Helsinki Music Centre

25.5.2024

18.00-19.30

Tickets 15-58€ from Ticketmaster and at the entrance