Sibelius 5

A musical blanket from the Far North The Symphony Orchestra of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen takes you under the direction of conductor Stephan Zilias to the Far North. Swedish composer Lisa Streich wrote Ishjärta in 2023 on commission from the Berliner Philharmoniker, which means 'heart of ice'. She translates the atmospheric, but at times also biting cold into colorful, innovative orchestrations. Next on the program is the flute concerto from 1926 by Dane Carl Nielsen, a leading repertoire piece for the instrument. Orchestra member Manuel Astudillo Quintero shines as soloist. Finally, we travel with the fifth symphony by Jean Sibelius from 1919 to Finland. Like no other, Sibelius gives musical voice to Finnish nature. For the majestic final movement, he was inspired by a group of swans rising above the Finnish lakes – an enchanting flight of birds to end the concert with.