Conducted by Graham Ross
Salomon Orchestra
Graham Ross
Conductor
Irène Duval
Violin
Nielsen
Helios Overture
Sibelius
Violin Concerto, soloist Irène Duval
Nielsen
Symphony no. 2

Two of Scandinavia’s foremost composers, both accomplished violinists, feature in this programme which comprises music that encompasses many human emotions. Carl Nielsen's concert overture Helios is a magnificent musical evocation of the sun rising over the Aegean, its progress through the sky and its descent into the sea’s horizon from which it had risen. A noble theme in the horns, trumpet fanfares and vigorous melodies portray the journey of the Greek god’s chariot of fire as it crosses the heavens.

We are delighted to be joined by Irène Duval, a Young Classical Artists Trust award winner, for a performance of Sibelius’ mighty Violin Concerto, in which the soloist vies constantly with the full weight of the orchestra in music that enthrals, moves but always excites.

A painting hanging on the wall of an inn was the inspiration for Nielsen’s Second Symphony. In its depiction of the four temperaments - the choleric, the phlegmatic, the melancholic and the sanguine - Nielsen saw the musical possibilities suggested by these moods. While in no way programmatic, this exciting symphony contains music of fierce activity, nobility, charm, melancholy and, ultimately, glorious positivity.