麻豆社

From Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Presented by Tom McKinney

In a programme which explores time, space and legend, the 麻豆社 Philharmonic's Finnish Chief Conductor, John Storgards, opens with a visceral portrayal of heroic deeds in Sibelius's tone poem "Pohjola's Daughter"; music of dark gloom, warm light and an unobtainable heroine seated on a rainbow, weaving golden cloth. Unapproachable too are the angels in Rautavaara's Seventh Symphony, one of a series of pieces taking poetry by Rainer Maria Rilke as inspiration; "Every angel is terrifying ... its .. stronger presence would kill you if it held you tight." This is expansive, free-flowing and expressive music which invites us into a world all of its own, and the first piece to bring Rautavaara fame.

Violinist Tobias Feldmann joins the 麻豆社 Philharmonic for Sofia Gubaidulina's Concerto "In tempus praesens" - for the present time. The Concerto explores her philosophical and religious beliefs; "Only in sleep, in the religious experience and in art, are we able to experience lasting present time" she says.

Sibelius: Pohjola's Daughter
Sofia Gubaidulina: In tempus praesens, for violin and orchestra
Rautavaara: Symphony No.7 (Angel of Light)

Tobias Feldmann (violin)
麻豆社 Philharmonic
John Storgards (conductor)