Rautavaara: Angel of Light

Details

Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Northey conductor
Nicolas Fleury horn
Rachel Shaw horn

Program

Sibelius Finlandia*
May Lyon Opal – concerto for two Horns world premiere
Rautavaara Angel of Light

About the performance

Let the lush strings of Finnish composers Rautavaara and Sibelius sweep you up in a program inspired by dreams and hope for the future. Also included is a world premiere showcasing the superb talent of two of MSO’s own musicians.

  • Childhood dreams and revelations
    A name you might not be familiar with, Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928 – 2016) is widely recognised as the most popular Finnish composer since Jean Sibelius. Rautavaara composed prolifically in almost every form and style of classical music, using lush soundscapes in a careful balance between originality and a more traditional Romantic style. His Seventh Symphony explores the Finnish tradition of mysticism in music. Moody with swirling strings and burnished brass, Angel of Light – inspired by childhood dreams and revelations – premiered in 1994.
  • A world premiere performance
    Be among the first to hear Opal by Melbourne-based composer May Lyon. Movements for the work include Precious Opal, Water and Cut from Rock, which represents the mining of Opal. Also, the coming together of two to form one precious object, Water and Silica for Opal – like two horns shimmering together to form one “solo” instrument, featuring the MSO’s own Nicolas Fleury and Rachel Shaw. read more here

*On this program, Sibelius’ Finlandia replaces the previously-scheduled work Barber’s Adagio.

To learn more about Rautavaara from Ben Northey click here

Duration: approx. 60 minutes with no interval

Program and artists subject to change

Arts Centre Melbourne indoor venues are operating at 75% capacity so you may be seated next to other patrons.

Important venue information:

  • Hamer Hall foyer bars will be open pre-show only
  • Personal water bottles will be permitted inside and filtered tap water will be available for self-service at the foyer bars
  • No Cloak Room
  • No Box Office sales or transactions, only available for trouble shooting or ticket collection

Orchestra safety on stage

The safety of our musicians, staff and audience remain the highest priority as we return to the post-COVID concert hall. In conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne, the MSO has begun rapid-result, asymptomatic testing for all members of the Orchestra and on-stage production staff. As such, you may notice that our musicians are not wearing masks while performing, and that they may be spaced more closely together than previously.

Please note, audience members are still required to wear masks at all times inside the Hamer Hall building until further notice.

Thank you for your understanding.

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