THE RADIANCE OF CLASSICISM

Joseph Haydn, known as the ‘father of the symphony’, composed over a hundred works in this genre. In nearly every one, he confirmed his reputation as a man with a sense of humour: Symphony No. 102, which kicked off his London tour, hides jokes within the fabric of its majestic music, while the finale of the ‘Farewell’ Symphony dies away in a silent protest from the orchestral musicians. Markus Stenz, chief conductor of the renowned Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano and Trento, knows the composer’s tricks inside and out.

Aram Khachaturian’s music adhered strictly to the Soviet doctrine regarding cultural exports – it is exotic, it is tuneful, and its rhythms are sure to get your feet tapping. Right from the start the Violin Concerto was a global hit, and today’s violinists have brought it back to the heart of the repertoire. One of them is Simone Lamsma, a regular guest with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Concertgebouworkest in Amsterdam. Now she is adding the Lahti Symphony Orchestra to her list.