Sibelius’s Fifth and a Blue Cathedral

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra opens the season with a concert where Romantic splendour, a newly composed fanfare and one of the true masterpieces of the symphonic repertoire come together. The orchestra is led by Chief Conductor Ryan Bancroft.

Even as he was composing his intensely beautiful and dramatic Fifth Symphony, Sibelius sensed that he was creating something extraordinary: “I have a wonderful theme”, he noted in his diary. Having seen sixteen swans, he found the inspiration for the magnificent theme in the final movement. “One of the greatest experiences of my life! God, what beauty.”

We also welcome the internationally acclaimed violinist Vilde Frang back to Konserthuset, this time in Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s sparkling and lyrical Violin Concerto. Korngold, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after composers, infuses the music with cinematic colour and late-Romantic elegance. The concerto was dedicated to Gustav Mahler’s widow Alma and is today among the most beloved in the repertoire.

The season opening also marks the beginning of Djuro Zivkovic’s tenure as Composer-in-Residence at Konserthuset 2026/27. His Fanfare, premiered here, serves as a musical gateway into the new season. The spiritual dimension of Zivkovic’s music is reflected in Anders Hillborg’s dreamlike …lontana in sonno… and Jennifer Higdon’s evocative blue cathedral.

Read more about chief conductor Ryan Bancroft