A magical journey into the music of Sibelius

A magical journey into the music of the North through the works of the famous composer Jean Sibelius will be presented by the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Athens, under the direction of Vasilis Tsamproboulos on the 9th and 10th of March 2015, at 21:00 at its concert house at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation.

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The ultimate musical symbol of Finland, Sibelius’ work, “Finlandia”, which became the second national anthem of the country, lending inspiration to the Finnish people in their fight for national liberation, via its explosiveness and its magnificent lyricism, will be combined in the MSO of Athens concerts with the well-known 2nd Symphony by the Finnish composer. The 2nd symphony is a characteristic example of the pure and crystal sound of the musical verbalism of Sibelius’ time. The work also constitutes a milestone as to the demands that a composer must meet in order to tap into and uncover the remarkable qualities of Sibelius’ musical identity whilst the work is also noted for the use of elaborate woodwind instruments.

Taking part in the concerts are two soloists and top musicians from the 80-member newly established Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Athens which has brought a breath of fresh air to the musical scene in Greece and is already paving its way with the enthusiastic support of its audiences. 

On the 9th of March, the accomplished soloist and principal cellist of the MSO of Athens, Constantinos Sfetsas, will interpret Boccherini’s concerto (in B-flat major, G.482), whilst on the 10th of March the acknowledged flutist and principal member of the MSO of Athens, Natalia Geraki, will be interpreting Francois Borne’s Fantasie Brillante (on themes from Bizet’s Carmen).

Concert Program

Monday 9th of March, at 21:00

-Sibelius: "Finlandia"
-Boccherini: Concerto σε B-flat major, G.482
-Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D major for orchestra, Op. 43
Soloist: Constantinos Sfetsas, cello
Conductor: Vassilis Tsabropoulos

Tuesday 10th of March, at 21:00

-Sibelius: "Finlandia"
-Francois Borne: Fantaisie Brillante (on themes by the opera Carmen του Bizet)
-Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D major for orchestra, Op. 43
Soloist: Natalia Gerakis
Conductor: Vasilis Tsampropoulos