Sibelius shines at Birmingham Symphony Hall

Lahti Orchestra

Symphony Hall Birmingham

Sibelius

review by Andy Richardson

There will be many special nights at Birmingham's Symphony Hall as the world class venue celebrates its 21^st anniversary.

Few, however, will enthral and delight as much as the exquisite Lahti Orchestra, who performed a moving programme from the Finnish composer Sibelius, comprising four pieces.

Sibelius has long associations with Birmingham. One of his great supports was the composer Granville Bantock, who was then principal of the Birmingham School of Music.

Bantock was a great Sibelius enthusiast who invited Sibelius to stay at his home in Moseley. The men remained friends for many years.

Sibelius also conducted in Birmingham, visiting the city to introduce his Fourth Symphonty at that year's Birmingham Triennial Festival.

Lahti's programme for their Symphony Hall concert featured a series of sumptuous works, including Karelia Suite, Op 11; Violin Concerto in D minor, Op 47; The Swan of Tuonela and Symphony No 5 in E flat major.

The Karelia was played with great gusto and no little skill, featuring a delightful intermezzo with echoing horns and soft percussive interludes.

The violin concerto was dazzling, with sublime playing from Elina Vahala, whose strikingly beautiful musicianship was set against a shimmering background. With rises and falls, light and shade, it was the highlight of the evening.

The second half was a tour de force as conductor Okko Kamu led the Lahti players through the wonderfully melodic Swan before the heady Fifth Symphony.

The Symphony Hall's 21^st birthday celebrations are bringing warmth to dark winter nights – many in the audience will look forward to further stand out performances.