Sibelius

January 21 @ 8pm

Daniel Meyer conductor

Soyeon Kate Lee piano

Smetana The Moldau from Má vlast

Bartók Piano Concerto No. 3

Sibelius Symphony No. 2

In January, we look into the music of composers who are strongly linked to the landscapes around them.  Czech composer Smetana wrote an entire set of tone poems inspired by his countryside in Má Vlast.  We begin with arguably the most famous of those tone poems, The Moldau.  With its rollicking undercurrent and sonic splashes, it beautifully depicts how the famous river winds its way through the Bohemian Forest.  Soyeon Kate Lee then makes her Philharmonic debut with Bartók’s evocative and nature-inspired Piano Concerto No. 3.  From its inclusion of birdsong to the earthiness of its folkdance rhythms, Bartók’s Third is the one most connected to the outdoors.  The evening culminates with a performance of Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony.  A sweeping musical statement in four movements, Sibelius’ symphony is motivated by an obvious affinity to nature and an emotional fervor that is inspired by his deeply-rooted pride of Finland. 

JOIN US IN THE FIRST NIAGARA COMMUNITY ROOM FOR CLASSICS IN THE EVENING, A PRE-CONCERT TALK HOSTED BY BRIAN HANNAH BEFORE EVERY SYMPHONIC CONCERT STARTING AT 7:15PM.