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Another chance to hear the Ö÷²¥´óÐã National Orchestra of Wales and former Principal Conductor Thomas Sondergard perform a concert celebrating the work of two brilliant Nordic composers. We begin with a suite by Finland's most loved composer Sibelius, inspired by music he wrote for a play about King Christian II. Next, the Orchestra's Principal Flautist Matthew Featherstone takes on the challenging role of soloist in Nielsen's playful Flute Concerto, before paying tribute in the interval to Ö÷²¥´óÐã NOW's former piccolo player, Eva Stewart, who sadly passed away in 2017. Then it is all Sibelius, beginning with a bombastic performance of his most patriotic and anthemic tone poem, Finlandia, and ending with his Fifth Symphony — a majestic work celebrating the nature and countryside of his homeland, with a famous theme in the final movement inspired by a flock of swans taking flight.

Presented by Nicola Heywood Thomas, recorded in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in February 2018.

Sibelius: King Kristian II Suite, Op 27
Nielsen: Flute Concerto, FS 119

8.30pm
Interval Music
Debussy: Syrinx, L 129
B Tommy Andersson: Pan
Nielsen: Wind Quintet (2nd movement)

8.50pm
Sibelius: Finlandia, Op 26
Sibelius Symphony No 5 in E flat major, Op 82

Matthew Featherstone (flute)
Ö÷²¥´óÐã National Orchestra of Wales
Thomas Sondergard (conductor)