“What a symphony! It is just to die for, this piece!”exclaims the Ukrainian –born Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska who will conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in January’s NSO Showcase.
Written at the turn of the last century when Finland was rebelling against Russian rule, this “symphony of independence” as it is sometimes called, reflects a personal as well as universal struggle, and the glorious finale reminds Stasevska of Beethoven, where the hero is finally victorious despite all his struggles.
Two pieces by Robert Schumann round out the program: the uniquely virtuosic Concert Piece for Four Horns and Orchestra featuring the fabulous NSO horn section, and the Rhenish Symphony celebrating the beauty and majesty of the Rhine river and Cologne Cathedral. Join us Wednesday evening, January 7 at 9PM or stream on-demand after the broadcast here.
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