A programme featuring all the charms and powers of the orchestra, with Saariaho’s surreal acoustic textures, the irresistible lyricism of Sibelius’ Concerto under the bow of Janine Jansen, and the immensity and immoderation of the Symphonie fantastique.

Atmospheric and intensely contemplative: so has been described ‘Winter Sky’ in the second movement of Kaija Saariajo’s Orion (2002), with its introductory piccolo solo that draws us into a magnetic acoustic poem. With its neo-Romantic splendour, elegiac tone, and striking virtuosity, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto remains one of the highlights of the repertoire.

The truly unique and colossal Symphonie fantastique and its ‘idée fixe’ project onto the stage an epic musical tale, marked by the influence of Goethe and Shakespeare. The twinkling waltz at the ‘Ball’, the terrifying visions of the ‘March to the Scaffold’, the sarcastic whirling of the ‘Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath’, complete with the chanting of the Dies Irae. More than just a score, the Fantastique is an unforgettable experience!