What's On

Finnish star conductor and 'our greatest living Sibelian', Osmo Vänskä, will join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the music of legendary Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and the beauty of his homeland.

Sibelius’ music is intimately connected to the expansive beauty of his native Finland. His poetic notes hang in the air like snowflakes; with wind whistling through frozen forests, the music is a sensory delight. For this event, Vänskä has chosen pieces that bring to life Finnish myths and legends through Sibelius' rich and evocative soundworld: the creation of the world in Luonnotar and the heroic Lemminkäinen Suite including the beloved The Swan of Tuonela.

Vänskä is joined by acclaimed Finnish soprano Helena Juntunen for a selection of five songs inspired by Finnish folklore. Juntunen 'commands her audience’s attention' with a 'shimmering stream of glistening tone' (Bachtrack), and is the ideal singer for these heartfelt, richly textured works.