Thomas Dausgaard and the Seattle Symphony’s Jean Sibelius 150th Birthday festival is the city’s, “hot ticket for classical musical lovers,” (The Seattle Times).
The Seattle Times’ Melinda Bargreen notes that, “these were performances that commanded you to listen and to watch.” She adds:
“The audience for Thursday evening’s pulse-pounding opening concert found out just how exciting the combination of Sibelius and the Seattle Symphony can be with principal guest conductor Thomas Dausgaard on the podium… Dausgaard, who conducted the rousing tone poem “Finlandia” and the first two of Sibelius’ symphonies without a score, drew unusually powerful, impassioned performances from players who bowed and blew and beat with tremendous vigor. It was clear that this conductor knows how to light a fire in the orchestra, with vigorous, detailed, and occasionally acrobatic gestures showing precisely what he wants to hear from them: huge, sonorous brass and woodwind choirs, subtly crafted solo work, and strings who play with both color and clarity.”
The SSO’s Luminous Landscapes: The Sibelius Symphonies Festival runs through March 28. For more information and tickets, please visit seattlesymphony.org