Program

Jean Sibelius Pohjola’s Daughter

Witold Lutoslawski Cello Concerto

Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 2

Conductor

Eva Ollikainen

Soloist

Kian Soltani

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra's resident artist, cellist Kian Soltani, is considered one of the most notable cellists of his generation. He has won numerous awards, most recently the German Opus Klassik Award. Soltani, along with principal conductor Eva Ollikainen, presents the concert schedule for the orchestra's upcoming European tour. The music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius plays a major role there. Pohjola's Daughter draws its inspiration from the Kalevala epic poem and tells the story of the magical elder Väinämöinen's relationship with the Daughter of the North. Sibelius's Second Symphony is one of his most popular symphonies. The reception was exceptional, and critics showered the symphony with praise: “An absolute masterpiece!” Ever since the premiere, music lovers have agreed that this was the correct opinion.

Another masterpiece, although much more recent, is Lutoslawski's Cello Concerto from 1970. Ever since its premiere by cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, the concerto has enjoyed unprecedented popularity. The concerto is charged with energy, lyricism and great drama and was chosen as one of the ten best cello concertos in music history by the critics of the BBC Music Magazine in the autumn of 2024.