Sibelius, Saariaho and Adès

The evening

Composer and conductor Thomas Adès celebrates elemental Sibelius, shimmering Saariaho, and a new version of his darkly prescient orchestral fable.

Thomas Adès returns to the LSO, showcasing two of Sibelius’ most enigmatic works, beginning with the myth-inspired The Oceanides, its shimmering, surging soundscapes painting unsettling portraits of ocean nymphs. The late Symphony No 7 is a short work of haunting beauty, its primeval trombone call shining like a beacon through the Finnish mists.

Fellow Finn Kaija Saariaho takes up the sea theme with Oltra mar (Across the Sea) for chorus and orchestra. Full of almost overwhelmingly powerful textures, it examines themes of travel, love, time and death. And Thomas Adès’ ominous America foretells the apocalyptic end of a great nation with disorientating intensity.

Thomas Adès and the LSO are joined by the London Symphony Chorus and soprano Anna Dennis for works guaranteed to penetrate deep into your soul.