Kristian Sallinen conductor
Michał Konopiński clarinet
Oulu Sinfonia
Jean Sibelius: Finlandia, Op. 26
Olli Kortekangas: Klarinettikonsertto
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Jean Sibelius: Lemminkäinen, Op. 22
Oulu Sinfonia celebrates Finland’s independence with a traditional yet modern program. In 2014, Oulu premiered Olli Kortekangas’s clarinet concerto, and now the piece will be performed with Michał Konopiński, the principal clarinet of Oulu Sinfonia, as the soloist. Kortekangas, who served as the orchestra’s composer-in-residence from 1997 to 2007, has created a half-narrative work that guides the individual through a communal group, sparing no virtuosic effects.
Jean Sibelius’s Lemminkäinen was born from the finest parts of a failed grand opera. Perhaps his most heroic melodies accompany the Kalevala hero’s misguided adventures, from the seductive islands to the shores of the River Tuonela, and finally back to his familiar homeland.
Sibelius’s Finlandia, completed in 1899, hardly needs an introduction. Born as a protest against the politics of the oppressive years, this tone poem became a symbol of Finnish nationalism, a role it has maintained for over 125 years.
Head start at Restaurant Preludi at 18.00. Discussion of the forthcoming concert.
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Duration about 2 (incl. intermission)
Tickets 29 € normal / 24 € pensioner / 16 € student, unemployed, child (3–17 yrs)
Free entry to the concert for Kaikukortti holders (limited amount, must be purchased in advance from Oulu10 service point).
Prices include service fee. Order fee 3 €/order when bought from Ticketmaster shops or 1,50 €/order when bought from Ticketmaster online shop will be added, excluding tickets purchased at Oulu Sinfonia ticket booth and Kaikukortti-tickets.