Beethoven’s most famous symphony opens KSO season series of spring 2024

Published 18.01.2024

Inimitable mezzosoprano Lilli Paasikivi as soloist

The Kuopio Symphony Orchestra’s Spring 2024 Season Series will start on Thursday 25th of January at 6 pm with the 5th symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven, the first rebellion of the Romantic era. The concert Rebel with a Cause conducted by the Chief Conductor Eugene Tzigane includes also the symphony’s companion piece, Guillaume Connesson’s Flammenschrift. The soloist will be the luminous mezzosoprano Lilli Paasikivi, who will interpret Hector Berlioz’s delicate song cycle Les Nuits d’été. The concert organized at the Kuopio Music Centre Concert Hall will also be streamed on the KSO Youtube channel.

Ludwig van Beethoven, the patient zero of the Romantic Era, broke with the musical establishment, and singlehandedly reformed the music world by placing the artist’s will at the center of the creative act. At the season concert on the 25th of January we will hear his 5th symphony. ”Our performance of his most famous symphony (at least the beginning!) aims to subvert expectations while telling the dramatic story that is inherent in this masterpiece. We want and need to rediscover this incredible music with fresh ears and experience the daring, at times shockingly revolutionary music as if for the first time”, tells Eugene Tzigane.

Guillaume Connesson’s Flammenschrift, a nod to Goethe, is a companion piece to Beethoven’s 5th that paints a portrait of Beethoven the man. Connesson’s music is full of impetuosity and fire, unpredictable and violent, yet also alive with moments of gentleness and tendresse. Complementing these works is Les Nuits d’été by the leader of the French Resistance of the early Romantic era, Hector Berlioz. Using far lighter brush strokes, his is a fire and melancholy of a distinctly French sensibility. The masterpiece will be interpreted by mezzosoprano Lilli Paasikivi, who is known as a true multi-tasker of culture. In addition to her career as a singer, she for example held the position of Artistic Director of Opera at the Finnish National Opera from 2013–2023.

Rebel with a Cause concert will be livestreamed on the KSO Youtube channel and is available for the duration of one month.

Spring Season’s first Pre-Talk at 5.30 pm at the Kuopio Music Centre Atrium. Free for all.

Season Series Tickets are available for purchase until 25.1.2024. 220 € | 179 € senior citizens.

Tickets: 33 € / 27 € senior citizens and groups min. 20 persons / 11 € children under the age of 16 and students / 4 € concert day discount ticket for students and young people under the age of 20. Prices include the Kuopio Music Centre service fee 2 € / ticket. The service fees vary depending on the place of purchase.

KUOPIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Producer & Publicity Manager Elina Prepula, tel. 044 718 2364, elina.prepula(at)kuopio.fi
www.kuopionkaupunginorkesteri.fi | Facebook: Kuopionkaupunginorkesteri | Instagram: kuopionkaupunginorkesteri