Jean Sibelius’ breakthrough as a composer came with the symphonic suite Kullervo. He was inspired by the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, and ancient songs from Karelia. The evening features the magnificent male choir Orphei Drängar, and Santtu-Matias Rouvali presents Sibelius’ epic stories with expertise.
The suite about the life and death of the tragic figure Kullervo is a diamond in the rough among Sibelius’ numerous compositions. Its reception was enthusiastic, but Sibelius withdrew it. He felt the suite was musically immature, and it was not performed again until after his death in 1957.
It is a true experience to hear Uppsala’s renowned men’s choir Orphei Drängar, with 80 members. Popular conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, chief conductor of the orchestra for many years, returns to Gothenburg at last with his marvellous feel for Sibelius’ music. He and the orchestra have received acclaim for their recordings of Sibelius’ complete seven symphonies.
