Opening with a thunderous and instantly recognisable cascade down the keyboard, Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor is reason enough to attend this concert, especially when it’s performed by one the finest pianists today, Alexander Gavrylyuk. It is coupled with two of Sibelius’s most popular works – the Third Symphony with its austere soundscape evoking the boreal forests, and his patriotic protest against Tsarist censorship, Finlandia. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra promises “an explosion of mastery and energy” and with Eivind Aadland conducting, it’s bound to deliver.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Few works are as gripping as Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor – and it will be performed by its perfect exponent, Alexander Gavrylyuk: a pianist with a formidable technique and magnetic stage presence. From the thunderous cascade down the piano keyboard in the opening seconds to the brilliant flourishes in the closing minutes, it will hold you spellbound.

Perfectly complementing Grieg’s concerto is the third symphony by Sibelius which mixes folk elements, nature imagery and powerful hymn-like episodes, and Finlandia, one of the most rousing short-form pieces in the entire repertoire and among the most beloved of all of Sibelius’ works.

On the podium is Eivind Aadland, who has a special affinity with Nordic music and a deep connection with the work of his compatriot Grieg.