Scandinavian Evening: Thursday, August 7
Conductor: Maestro Rune Bergmann
Carl Nielsen: Overture to Maskarade
Edvard Grieg: Concerto for Piano, Op. 16 with piano soloist Joyce Yang
Sibelius: Symphony No. 5
Immerse yourself in the rich musical landscapes of Scandinavia with an evening of passion, power, and breathtaking beauty. Featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, this electrifying program, led by Maestro Rune Bergmann, highlights the energetic charm of Carl Nielsen, the soaring Romanticism of Edvard Grieg, and the sweeping grandeur of Jean Sibelius—culminating in a night of unforgettable symphonic splendor. This captivating program showcases the distinctive voices of Nordic composers, whose works evoke the dramatic fjords, mystical forests, and dancing northern lights of Scandinavia.
The journey begins with Nielsen’s Overture to Maskarade, a lively and exuberant gem bursting with wit, drama, and festive energy. This effervescent piece brims with playful melodies and vibrant orchestral colors, setting the perfect tone for an evening of Nordic brilliance.
At the heart of the program, Joyce Yang takes center stage for Grieg’s beloved Grieg’s beloved Concerto for Piano, Op. 16. From its thunderous opening chords to its dazzling finale, this concerto is a tour de force of sweeping melodies and virtuosic brilliance. Infused with the spirit of Norwegian folk music, its lyrical beauty and dramatic flair make it one of the most cherished works in the repertoire. Hailed for her “poetic and sensitive pianism” (Washington Post), Yang brings this masterpiece to life with breathtaking artistry. A silver medalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at just 19, she has since become an “astonishing artist” (Neue Zürcher Zeitung), collaborating with the world’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. With a “wondrous sense of color” (San Francisco Classical Voice) and extraordinary technical mastery, she promises to deliver a performance that will leave audiences spellbound.
The evening concludes with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, transporting listeners to the vast, primeval landscapes of Finland with its sweeping melodies and nature-inspired themes. This majestic masterpiece builds from a stirring, ethereal opening to one of the most exhilarating finales in orchestral music. The triumphant finale, with its famous “swan theme” inspired by Sibelius’ observation of sixteen swans in flight, creates one of classical music’s most transcendent moments—a fitting conclusion to an evening of Nordic splendor.
With its blend of fiery virtuosity, folk-inspired melodies, and sweeping symphonic grandeur, Scandinavian Evening is a must-see event for classical music lovers.
