The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Vengerov & Sibelius

Conductor Okko Kamu

Violin Maxim Vengerov

Sibelius En Saga

Sibelius Symphony No.6

Sibelius Violin Concerto

Sibelius Finlandia

Maxim Vengerov sensationally burst onto the international scene in 1984, when he won the prestigious Wieniawski Competition at the age of ten. Hearing such a supreme artist is a real luxury, particularly when he's playing one of the supreme violin concertos, and particularly when it is conducted by Okko Kamu, who has a special affinity with his countryman's music.

In sketches for the Sixth Symphony, Sibelius wrote about the struggle between 'the pine-tree spirit and the storm', but it's a serene, melancholy work, neatly paired with the atmospheric En Saga.

The concert finishes with Sibelius's beloved and barnstorming hymn to his homeland.

Notes Fund - Music for this concert has been supported by Gene Dillman.