After opening with a brass fanfare, Shostakovitch's Festival Overture relays the joy of living through lively music sparkling with good cheer. These two early gems from Sibelius, written as part of his Impromptus, are also frequently heard performed by string ensembles. The wind transcription being played at the concert was arranged by Pál Makovecz, who is also our conductor for the evening. In 1899, Finnish hopes for independence were being met by more and more Russian oppression. As Finnish national consciousness awakened, the youth of the country started to actively move against Russia's will. Caught up in the events of these years, Sibelius proceeded to create a series of orchestral works centred around Finnish legends. One of his best-known works from this period was his symphonic poem Finlandia. The introductory section, which paints a grave picture of the historical background, is followed by an equally grim ballad-like section. The work, however, is concluded by a monumental finale ringing with the sound of shackles being cast off, along with a rousing tribute to a glorious and victorious people. Frigyes Hidas first premièred his Requiem for wind orchestra, soloists and chorus for the 40th anniversary of the 1956 revolution. Since then, his mass has been performed in 16 countries.

Presented by: