Finnish Sibelius Concert
Wed 20 May, 8pm
L’Espace
The Finnish Embassy organises a Sibelius concert performed by two world famous artists, Mr. Jussi Makkonen who plays Cello and Mr. Rait Karm who plays Piano.
Jussi Makkonen and Rait Karm will perform their unique programme of Jean Sibelius’s music in South East Asia in May 2009.
The concerts will feature compositions by the most famous Finnish composer of all time, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) and many of his works are to be heard for the first time arranged for violoncello and piano. Jean Sibelius is particularly celebrated for his seven symphonies, but also his symphonic poems and the violin concerto are well-known. He is often cited as one of the leading symphony composers of the 20th century. Sibelius remains the only Finn whose death was honoured with a moment’s silence by the General Assembly of the United Nations. On that occasion, Chairman Sir Leslie Munro pronounced the following: “Sibelius belonged to all the world. He enriched the life of the entire human race with his music.”
Tickets are free of charge and can be picked up at L’Espace
 | L’Espace-Centre Culturel Français de Hanoi Ambassade de France au Vietnam 24, Tràng Tiền, Hà Nội Tel: (84-4) 39 36 21 64 Fax: (84-4) 39 36 21 65 webpage |
A wonderful concert!!!!
It is one of the most wonderful concerts I’ve ever attended!
Sibelius is the most famous Finnish composer of all time, and in this concert, two Finnish artists have played several compositions written by Sibelius.
Before performing each composition, the cellist gave a brief introduction about it to help the audiences understand more about Sibelius’s work. These two artists have arranged many Sibelius’s works for piano solo to works for cello and piano. The cellist and the pianist are not only talent but also friendly and humorous. They created a very friendly atmostphere for the concert! It’s really really wonderful!
The most significant composition is Finlandia op.26, no.7 The artists have arranged this Finlandia from a composition for orchestra (with 100 players!) to composition for two players. According to the cellist, one Finnish man was suffered from a heart attack when he first listened to this composition. In Hanoi, nobody was suffered from a heart attack after having listened to Finlandia, but I saw one Finnish man moved to tears at the end of the concert! As I’m not a Finnish and I have listened to that composition for the first time, I can’t understand it thoroughly! However, I may understand why the old man cried when he listened to Finlandia in a foreign country!
The cellist and the pianist did a good job…NO, they did a wonderful job! Before this concert, when I think about Finland, I just remember the capital – Hensilki, a high living standard and…Nokia. Now, I know that Finland also has Sibelius!