A Tribute to Democracy

Executive Director Stefan Forsberg will host this evening’s concert, which serves as a tribute to democracy. 

The foundation of a democracy is an open conversation in which everyone is free to participate. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 simultaneously shows us how culture and music have always played an important role in various freedom movements. In the case of Sibelius, music was an important symbol for the power of the Finnish people to stand up to Russian might. 

Politics are also a battle of ideas, sometimes resulting in major verbal conflict. But the battlefield depicted in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 is more bellicose in character: the memory of Russia’s victory over France during the Napoleonic Wars.

In between, we will hear harpist Johanna Ander Ljung perform the harp solo in music by Pierné. She won the 2018 Polstjärnepriset (Polar Star Award) and is now representing Sweden in European Young Musicians in Edinburgh, Scotland. It underscores the importance of international interactions and openness – and the value of a common Europe.

This concert is included in our series Onsdag 18. You can secure your place by purchasing a subscription right now – with 25 per cent off the ticket price.