Letters to Sibelius
Gavin Reid, director of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ SSO introduces a delightful series of documentaries produced for Radio NZ about one man's appreciation of the Finnish composer Sibelius.
The Letters to Sibelius are a very personal tribute to the Finnish composer, written by a Scots-born emigrant to New Zealand, Marshall Walker. He’s a retired Professor of English, formerly of the University of Waikato who lives in Hamilton on New Zealand’s north island. But as a boy growing up in Glasgow, Marshall fell in love with the music of Sibelius and his interest was fuelled by the early endeavours of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scottish Symphony Orchestra and its founder Ian Whyte who had a particular skill for conducting the music of the Finnish master. Alongside the letters are some recordings of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scottish Symphony Orchestra performing works by Sibelius and a documentary produced for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3 about Ian Whyte.
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A Letter to Sibelius
Presenter Marshall Walker made a pilgrimage to Finland to visit the places of significance to Sibelius: his birthplace in Hämeenlinna, Ainola his home and the Sibelius Monument in Helsinki.
Duration: 46:43
The Fog and the Island
Walker tells of his early encounters with the music of Sibelius and how it helped him confront and overcome the ordeals of his childhood – poor eyesight and bullying – in wartime Glasgow.
Duration: 01:01:21
Valse Triste
Walker’s mother informs him that Sibelius’ music was also important in her own family. We hear stories about Walker’s grandfather and uncle, both of whom he never met.
Duration: 01:09:01
Doctor Big Man
Walker leaves post-war Glasgow and emigrates to South Africa, becoming involved in the anti-Apartheid movement. He contracts deadly encephalitis but Sibelius aids his road to recovery.
Duration: 01:08:51
North and South
Walker relates his encounters with his boyhood hero, conductor, Ian Whyte, founder of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scottish Symphony Orchestra and eventually finds a new home in New Zealand.
Duration: 51:22
The Forgotten Founder
Kirsteen McCue profiles the life and work of Ian Whyte, the neglected composer, conductor and founder of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scottish Symphony Orhcestra.
Duration: 29:26
Broadcasts
- Fri 3 Sep 2010 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Scotland Extra
- Fri 10 Sep 2010 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Scotland Extra
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