Legends, myths, folk-tales and the last word from a great Russian.

This programme is a full immersion into the history and magical legends of Finland, led by two outstanding Finnish musicians: conductor Osmo Vänskä and soprano Helena Juntunen. They invite you to travel to the origins of the earth with the goddess Luonnotar, hear folk tales from The Bard and celebrate with the people of Karelia (a region now split between Finland and Russia). We head further east to Russia for the final piece: Shostakovich’s last Symphony, begun in a hospital bed and bursting with memories of his profoundly musical life.

Full programme

• Sibelius, Karelia Suite  (14mins)
• Sibelius, Five Songs: Autumn Evening  (5mins)
• Sibelius, Eight Songs: Baron Magnus  (3mins)
• Sibelius, Seven Runeberg Songs: Spring is Flying  (2mins)
• Sibelius, The Bard  (6mins)
• Sibelius, Luonnotar  (10mins)
• Shostakovich, Symphony No.15  (42mins