Dulcet tones fill the Bridgewater Hall as John Storgårds guides us through an evening of profound emotional contemplation. Opening the concert is Pärt’s De Profundis, his take on a psalm that has inspired composers throughout history. Following this, Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, his only true concerto. Inspired by sweeping landscapes and the tranquillity of nature, its captivating melodies growing into dashing virtuosity – performed here by Jennifer Pike – cement it as one of the best of all. Finally, we end the night with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 13, a grave plea against antisemitism wrapped within some of the composer’s most powerful music.
The Estonian National Male Choir, founded in 1944, is currently the largest full-time professional male choir in the world.
For more than 50 years it was led by the celebrated composer and leader of the Estonian choral movement, Gustav Ernesaks, and is now conducted by Mikk Ãœleoja.
Over 76 years, the Estonian National Male Choir has given more than 6000 concerts all over the world, performing a cappella choral music to large-scale symphonic works to traditional folk music.
Pre-concert performance, Foyer Bar, 6.30pm
Ahead of the concert, the Brass Septet from the Royal Northern College of Music will be performing in the Foyer Bar.
Seb Williman cornet
Adam Hofland-Ward cornet
Georgia Woodhead tenor horn
Alex Barron euphonium
Alicia Davis cornet
Julian Bayley euphonium
Ben Whitehead tuba
Pre-concert programme
Sibelius: Petite Suite
Sibelius: Aternarnes säng
Sibelius arr. Murray Greig: Scout March
Sibelius arr. Murray Grieg: Four Songs
Sibelius arr. Murray Grieg: Jääkärien Marssi
Sibelius: Tiera
The Brass Septet appears by kind permission of the RNCM.
