Share

The Philharmonia Orchestra’s season gets off to a barnstorming start, as they launch their series Nordic Soundscapes with pianist Stephen Hough..

Experience the electrifying start of the Nordic Soundscapes series with "Santtu conducts Sibelius and Grieg" at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday, 26 September 2024, at 7pm. Under the baton of Finnish Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, this concert promises an unforgettable evening of music that explores the deep connections between Nordic composers and the natural world. The evening kicks off with María Sigfúsdóttir’s "Oceans" in its London premiere, a piece that captures the majestic power of the sea and the wind, setting the stage for a night of immersive soundscapes. Following this, the renowned pianist Stephen Hough takes the stage for Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto, a work overflowing with passion and dramatic intensity. The highlight of the night is Sibelius’s "Kullervo," a monumental piece that tells a tragic tale from Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala. Performed with the historic Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat Male Voice Choir, who sang at its premiere in 1892, this rare performance is a testament to Finnish national identity and the genius of Sibelius. Expect an evening of sweeping melodies, high drama, and exceptional singing. Tickets range from £15 to £75, with priority booking available for Friends of the Philharmonia. General booking opens at 10am on Tuesday, 23 April. This concert is not just a performance but an invitation to journey through the Nordic landscapes, brought to life by the Philharmonia Orchestra at the heart of London. Join us for a night that celebrates the beauty of Nordic music and the artistry of some of the world’s most talented musicians. This event is part of the Nordic Soundscapes series, running from 26 September to 10 November 2024, a series that promises to be a profound exploration of music crafted from nature.

Following a long and highly successful career as both a solo and a collaborative pianist, as well as a festival and concert series programmer, Kathryn Stott has decided to step down from public recitals from the end of this year – though many of her other creative activities will continue. Wigmore audiences will be delighted to partake in this special celebration of her exceptional artistry in her last London recital appearance.

Our series Nordic Soundscapes, exploring Nordic composers’ relationship with the landscapes of their birth, would not be complete without Sibelius’s and Grieg’s most popular works.

The Philharmonia Orchestra’s series exploring Nordic composers’ relationship with the landscapes of their birth wouldn’t be complete without these evocative works

A rising star in the soprano firmament, the multi-award winning Russian-American artist brings together songs from diverse traditions, including Dvořák's seven songs composed for the German tenor Gustav Walter and Britten's cycle on Pushkin's poems composed for Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya.