Sibelius, Vaughan Williams and Dubugnon

The evening

Tread the snowy expanses of Sibelius’ Finland and Vaughan Williams’ Antartica, and warm up to the impressionistic hues of Dubugnon’s new concerto.

Much of Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No 7 started life as the soundtrack to the 1948 film Scott of the Antarctic. You can sense the icy wastes in the eerie opening bars, feel the biting wind, and glimpse Antarctica’s towering glaciers.

In Sibelius’ The Swan of Tuonela, a lone swan, depicted by a melancholy cor anglais over a sombre string accompaniment, glides across a lake. It’s one of the Finnish composer’s most evocative works.

Composer Richard Dubugnon is a master of orchestral colour, combining a contemporary style with glints of impressionism. His new work Sonnenring, a violin concerto, is certain to be equally dazzling.

Sir Antonio Pappano and the LSO reach the end of their Vaughan Williams cycle in cinematic style. Janine Jansen, with her expressive gifts and technical perfection, is the perfect choice for Dubugnon’s concerto, in the opening performances of her LSO Artist Portrait.

Sonnenring commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

The work of the Chief Conductor with the LSO is generously supported by Alex & Elena Gerko, and members of the Chief Conductor’s Circle.