SEASON SERIES CONCERT 4: KOLJA BLACHER & MAYUMI KANAGAWA

Thursday 22.10.2026 at 6pm Kuopio Music Centre Concert Hall

At 5.30 Atrium
PRE-TALK

Kuopio Symphony Orchestra
Kolja Blacher, conductor
Mayumi Kanagawa, violin

Boris Blacher: Paganini Variations Op. 26 (1947)
Igor Stravinsky: Violin Concerto (1931)
Pyotr Tchaikowski: Symphony No 6 inB minor Op. 74 ”Pathetic” (1893)

Three composers which are connected through their origin. Tchaikowski, the father of Russian music, Stravinsky, who brought the Russian tradition into the 20th century and towards the Neo-Classical style and Boris Blacher, who is in the tradition of both Stravinsky and Tschaikowski, bringing Russian music in touch with the Jazz on the 1920s. And meet the wonderful American-Japanese violinist Mayumi Kanagawa in her debut concert in Kuopio.
Kolja Blacher 

Boris Blacher’s Paganini Variations, Op. 26, is a fast‑paced and virtuosic orchestral work that plays with Niccolò Paganini’s famous theme in a fresh and inventive way. Blacher transforms the original melody into a series of rhythmically sharp, humorous, and surprising variations that allow the orchestra to shine in its full spectrum of colours. 

Igor Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto (1931) is a clear‑lined, intelligent, and rhythmically sparkling work that defies the expectations of the traditional concerto form. Stravinsky blends Baroque clarity, modern sharpness, and his unmistakable balletic sound world, creating a violin part that is simultaneously virtuosic, witty, and dance‑like. The result is a refreshing, energetic, and distinctive concerto classic that captivates with both its intellect and its immediate sense of musical joy. 

The Stravinsky Violin Concerto is a piece full of juxtapositions – both very modern and ancient, orchestral and intimate like chamber music, with humor, sarcasm, and tenderness. I actually first encountered the piece through Balanchine’s ballet, and imagine the storytelling of the bodies while playing. I’m very excited to explore this piece together with the musicians in Kuopio!
Mayumi Kanagawa 

Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 is an emotional and intensely expressive masterpiece. It is one of the most powerful and personal symphonies of the Romantic era, where the composer’s dramatic voice and heartbreaking beauty intertwine. Glowing melodies, stormy outbursts, and quiet, introspective moments lead the listener through a full spectrum of emotion – toward one of the most striking finales in the symphonic repertoire. 

Duration approx. 1 hour 45 minutes including interval.

The concert is included in the Season Series Ticket and Mini Series Ticket 2.

Produced by the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra
Tickets: 34,60 € / 28,10 € senior citizens and groups min. 20 persons / 10,60 € children under the age of 16 and students

SEASON SERIES TICKET

Includes 8 Season Series concerts:
10.9. – 1.10. – 8.10. – 22.10. – 29.10. – 26.11. – 3.12. – 10.12.

Early Bird price 200 € / 160 € senior citizens
Available: 16.4. – 28.5.
Buy Season Series Ticket

Normal price 220 € / 179 € senior citizens
Available: 29.5. – 10.9.

MINI SERIES 2

Miniseries 2
Includes 4 Season Series concerts:
1.10. – 22.10. – 26.11. – 10.12.

Early Bird price 110 / 90 € senior citizens
Available: 16.4. – 28.5.
Buy Miniseries 2

Normal price 120 € / 95 € senior citizens
Available: 29.5. – 1.10.