Dances of Galánta

Kristian Sallinen, conductor
Tami Pohjola, violin
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra

Zoltán Kodály: Dances of Galánta (duration 15′)
Stephen James Webb: Violin Concerto “I Heard It Was Collapsing” (commissioned work, world premiere) (duration 22′)
Intermission, duration 20′
Jean Sibelius: Symphony no 1 E Minor op. 39 (duration 40′)

Dances of Galánta is a rhythmic and energetic orchestral suite that highlights the rich folk music tradition of the Galánta region in Slovakia. Kodály’s work forms a perfect counterpoint to the austere and ascetic Finnish national romanticism, Sibelius’s symphonic voice from the years of oppression, that concludes the concert. The violin concerto, on the other hand, resonates in the present. In his works, Webb explores surrealistic abstractions and creates worlds that leave the audience in a distorted, yet vaguely familiar soundscape. Conductor Kristian Sallinen and violinist Tami Pohjola are among the most successful young Finnish talents.