Grande Finale 4: Oramo and the RSPO conclude a majestic Sibelius cycle

By Roy Westbrook, 31 May 2021

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“Oramo, as throughout the cycle, seemed to conjure each section naturally from its predecessor”

Reviewed at Konserthuset Stockholm: Stora Salen, Stockholm on 29 May 2021

Sibelius, Symphony no. 6 in D minor, Op.104

Sibelius, Two pieces for violin or cello and orchestra, Op.77

Sibelius, Symphony no. 7 in C major, Op.105

Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra

Sakari Oramo, Conductor

Johannes Rostamo, Cello

Musical tributes to Festival d’Aix as it wins Birgit Nilsson Prize

Peter Quantrill, 21st October

Pierre Audi is remembered in words and music as the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence receives $1m – the richest prize in classical music – at Stockholm’s Konserthuset.

Bancroft and the Royal Stockholm Phil brass shine in Bruckner

David Karlin, 24th October

The RSPO's Chief Conductor leads an impressive Bruckner 4. With Augustin Hagelich, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto is lighter fare, but trips merrily.

****1

Music, people, planet: a triumphant celebration in music for Yo-Yo Ma

Stephen Pritchard, 18th October

The celebrated cellist becomes the first instrumentalist to be presented the Birgit Nilsson Prize by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf at the official Award Ceremony in Stockholm.

*****

Birgit Nilsson Prize: dazzling Dvořák from the ever-smiling Yo-Yo Ma

Stephen Pritchard, 16th October

Yo-Yo Ma's beatific serenity speaks volumes about his approach to life and music as he gives a performance in Stockholm's Konserthuset ahead of receiving the Birgit Nilsson Prize later in the week.

****1

Old works and new from Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the RSPO

Sandra Bowdler, 25th November

An intriguing programming of old and new works, covering the time period 1893 to 1976, which themselves contain elements of old and new, beautifully performed.

****1

Grande Finale 3: Favourite Sibelius from Oramo

Roy Westbrook, 26th May

Oramo's structural insight ensures ideal tempo relations between sections, so crucial in Sibelius.

****1

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.

Grande Finale 4: Sakari Oramo and the RSPO conclude a majestic Sibelius cycle