Kristian Sallinen leads a Nordic program centred on Sibelius’s Second Symphony, composed in 1901–02 and later embraced as a symbol of Finnish identity, its quiet opening unfolding into a triumphant finale. It is bookended by Leevi Madetoja’s rarely heard Kullervo from 1913, a symphonic poem drawn from Finnish legend and steeped in themes of fate, violence and destruction, and Elena Kats-Chernin’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Lebewohl (Farewell), an exploration of Bach’s grieving process after learning that his wife, Maria Barbara, had died and been buried in his absence in 1720. The piece was written for Tamara-Anna Cislowska who performs it here.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Young Finnish conductor Kristian Sallinen brings Nordic flair to the stage with Sibelius’ beloved Second Symphony. The quiet, introspective opening of this meditative masterpiece transforms into an expansive and glorious finale. Sallinen begins the concert with Finnish master Leevi Madetoja’s rarely heard Kullervo, music of turbulent drama and romantic lyricism. Elena Kats-Chernin is one of Australia’s most-loved composers, and her friend and collaborator Tamara-Anna Cislowska lends expressive passion to her Third Piano Concerto.