Sibelius & Grieg: In the Land of the Mountain King
The Philharmonia Orchestra’s series exploring Nordic composers’ relationship with the landscapes of their birth wouldn’t be complete without these evocative works.
The Philharmonia’s series Nordic Soundscapes takes in Sibelius’ and Grieg’s most popular works in this concert.
Finnish conductor Emilia Hoving begins her concert with Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No.1. Originally written for Ibsen’s play about the adventures of a globetrotting Norwegian antihero, Grieg’s music has become inextricably linked with his homeland.
For this suite, Grieg picked out his listeners’ favourite moments, including the dreamy ‘Morning’ and ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’, in which Peer Gynt is chased by angry trolls.
Ever since its 1902 premiere, Sibelius’ beloved Second Symphony has been claimed as the sound of an independent Finland.
Whether or not that was his intention, Sibelius certainly conjured up in sound the contrast between icy winds and gentle sunshine, frantic fear and triumphant hope, in music of enduring emotional power.
Between these two classics comes a new piece by Outi Tarkiainen, a composer from Finnish Lapland.
Her percussion-rich score accompanies Joakim Odelberg’s breathtaking film of the wildlife of the Nordic coastline.
Performers
Philharmonia Orchestra
Emilia Hoving conductor
Repertoire
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Suite No.1
Outi Tarkiainen: Mosaics for orchestra (with film) (UK premiere)
Interval
Sibelius: Symphony No.2 in D
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
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Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
Plan your visit
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All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
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Food & drink
On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.