Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Northern Lights

We’re delighted to welcome back Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for their first outing of 2025 at Hall for Cornwall in this popular programme shot through with expansive Nordic themes.

Grieg’s iconic Piano Concerto is shot through with fiery passion and a Nordic quality echoing traditional Norwegian dances and instruments. The striking opening (perhaps one of the most recognisable in all classical music) is just one flash of Norwegian folk which inspired his emerging style. It continues with many attractive themes, a thrilling cadenza and dazzling originality, performed by “spirited young genius” (Fono Forum) Louis Schwizgebel.

Sibelius’ First Symphony is significant – never before had a work of such stature emerged from Northern Europe, unveiling the previously unheard character of Nordic music, sounding both ‘old’ and ‘new’ at the same time. It’s clearly a work by a skilled composer who already had a musical voice of his own, and much of the musical personality that makes the later symphonies so distinctive is already visible.

Passionate yet reflective, Peteris Vasks’ music represents a symbol of hope for his Latvian homeland, conveying the message to never give up on beauty, even when the world is filled with turmoil and violence.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Gergely Madaras.