Santtu-Matias Rouvali Shines with Nielsen's Fifth Symphony
- The Philharmonia Orchestra performed at the Royal Festival Hall on November 4, 2024.
- María Dueñas, a 21-year-old violinist, played Sibelius's Violin Concerto, receiving bouquets from fans.
- The highlight was Nielsen's Fifth Symphony, conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali, which featured a unique performance style.
On November 4, 2024, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Philharmonia Orchestra presented a concert featuring works from its 'Nordic Strands' series. The performance included a violin concerto by Sibelius, which showcased 21-year-old violinist María Dueñas, who received bouquets from her fans. However, the highlight of the evening was Nielsen's Fifth Symphony, which featured dynamic and carefully restrained string tones. Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali dedicated significant rehearsal time to this work, showcasing his expertise. The evening was further characterized by the absence of a traditional concert format, as principal clarinettist Mark van de Wiel donned a hooded cloak during the performance, adding a unique touch to the event. Overall, the concert highlighted both the talent of the performers and the innovative atmosphere cultivated by the orchestra's latest theme.