The Kamloops Symphony returns with the first of their Salmon Arm Series with Sibelius.
The symphony will showcase three works by the composer: Finlandia, the Violin Concerto and Symphony #2, as an early celebration of the composer’s 150th birthday.
The Finnish composer, who was known for his originality, became a national hero in Finland. Finlandia became the country’s unofficial national anthem. The piece got Sibelius noticed and he became a legend throughout the European continent.
Sibelius’ music helped form the Finnish national identity and the country honours him each year on his birthday, Dec. 8, with an unofficial flag day celebrated as the Day of Finnish Music.
On Nov. 13, Kamloops Symphony brings the Finnish music to Salmon Arm.
Audience members will hear the Violin Concerto, one of the greatest violin concertos ever written. Although Sibelius began with piano as a child, it was the violin that sparked his enthusiasm for music.
Once composition piqued his interest, his violin playing did not keep pace. Nevertheless, his Violin Concerto is a prime example of his compositional genius and is known for its technical challenges.
On Nov. 13, violinist Marc Djokic will perform this concerto which blends technical brilliance with an impressive symphonic line.
Djokic has been praised for his rhythmic sense and natural phrasing. He has won numerous prizes and frequently performs as a soloist with Canada’s top orchestras.
He has been critically acclaimed for his spot-on accuracy and Sibelius is one of his favourite composers.
“I feel especially drawn to his works as my father and first violin teacher, Philippe Djokic, won the Sibelius Violin Competition in Helsinki in 1977.”
Djokic will be performing this concerto on his newly acquired 1922 Fagnola violin.
The Kamloops Symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at the SASCU Recreation Centre. Tickets are available at Kamloops Live! Box Office at 1-866-374-5483 or www.kamloopslive.ca, Wearabouts or at the door.