NORDIC NIGHTS

Once the preserve of melancholic films and bare tonal landscapes, in recent years Scandinavian artists have revealed another side to their vibrant heritage – one that is rich in life and colour. Part of Southbank Centre’s 2017 celebrations of Nordic culture, Nordic Matters, this concert showcases the best of contemporary music from Kaija Saariaho’s enigmatic violin concerto, which revels in the delicate interactions between violin and orchestra, to a new commission from Rolf Wallin – written for the charismatic Danish bassist Ida Nielsen.

Eivind Buene Sea Change (2016) (UK premiere)
Kaija Saariaho Graal théâtre (1994)
Madeleine Isaksson Isär (UK premiere)
Rolf Wallin Spirit (2016) (UK premiere)

Peter Herresthal violin
Guro Kleven Hagen violin
Eivind Holtsmark Ringstad viola
Kian Soltani cello
Ida Nielsen electric bass
Pierre-André Valade conductor
London Sinfonietta

Eivind Holtsmark Ringstad, Guro Kleven Hagen and Kian Soltani are all part of Crescendo: the Norwegian-international mentorprogram in classical music.

Eivind Buene’s Sea Change is supported by the Norwegian Cultural Fund and Rolf Wallin’s Spirit is supported by The Norwegian Composers Fund.