Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra

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Sibelius knew already when he wrote his intensely beautiful and dramatic Symphony No. 5 that he was on his way to creating something significant: “I have a wonderful theme,” he noted in a journal entry. He had seen sixteen swans, which gave him the idea for the magnificent theme of the final movement. “One of my life’s great experiences! My God, what beauty.”

Symphony No. 7 is both the final and high point of Sibelius’ chain of symphonies. He conducted the Stockholm Concert Society, now known as the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, at the world premiere in 1924. In his own words, the piece is filled with “joy of life and vitality.” He first called it “Fantasia sinfonica I,” which was still its title at the world premiere with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

The following day, he wrote home to his wife, Aino: “The concert yesterday was a huge success. My new piece is probably one of my best.” It is easy to agree, because a magical shimmer imbues this phenomenal piece of music, and its majestically beautiful and jubilant melodies have made it one of his most beloved.

The day after this concert, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is invited to the International Sibelius Festival in Lahti, a festival which is celebrating 20 years this year. 

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Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo opens the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s regular concert season. Welcome to this especially festive concert! During intermission, the entire audience is welcome to refreshments in the beautiful lobbies of Konserthuset. 

Anton Bruckner’s voluminous and grandiose symphonies never cease to amaze. According to Bruckner, the opening sound of the horn in the fourth symphony symbolises the arrival of dawn after a long night’s rest. From this simple theme, a fascinating and multifaceted symphonic landscape emerges, where the entire harmonic register of the orchestra is put to use. As always with Bruckner, the balance between the overarching musical architecture and the smaller details is exquisitely even. This is his most played and beloved symphony, and he was the one who referred to it as “the Romantic” symphony.

Swedish composer Victoria Borisova-Ollas has roots in Russia and began her education at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. In her newly composed violin concerto, she was inspired by Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake. While there are no direct connections to Tchaikovsky’s music in the new violin concerto, it is based on the same story. And “Romance and dance movements are of course part of the background,” says Borisova-Ollas, who has been acclaimed for, among other things, her opera Dracula at the Royal Swedish Opera.

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