THE ENIGMA

The renowned British maestro Martyn Brabbins brought Edward Elgar’s oratorio The Dream of Gerontius to Lahti exactly two years ago. Now he returns, and once again we are treated to Elgar’s sublime melodies.

Completed in 1899, the Enigma Variations were Elgar’s ticket to world fame and his first step towards the unofficial title of England’s national composer. Just five years after the Enigma Variations were completed, a festival bearing Elgar’s name was held in London. This festival also featured his most daring work to date, In the South, an orchestral romp in the style of Richard Strauss, inspired by Italy’s coastal regions.

The pianist brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen last thrilled the audience in Lahti a year ago, in January. This time, the duo will perform a Viennese classical concerto for two pianos, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for himself and his older sister Nannerl in the spirit of light-hearted rivalry.