Brahms' Violin Concerto

In music, we can be our full, imperfect selves. Brahms’ Violin Concerto, written for the composer’s good friend, violinist and composer Joseph Joachim, is filled with humanity, speaking of pain and joy, solace and companionship. For conductor John Storgårds, the music of Sibelius energizes us with its positive life-force. The Lemminkäinen Suite celebrates a Finnish folk hero as he journeys far and wide. 

Francesca Dego replaces Christian Tetzlaff, who was originally scheduled to perform the same concerto on the program.

A few things to know: 

• Internationally acclaimed violinist Francesca Dego says of Brahms’ Violin Concerto, “…whenever I play it, I feel mountains of energy of all different kinds. It’s been a part of me since I first played it at age 15, and I feel as though I’ve matured with it. It’s a symphonic work despite being a concerto...it’s a piece where collaboration with the orchestra and conductor is so important; you have to know when to push, and when to listen and follow.” (The Strad, June 2023)
• Lemminkäinen Suite tells four tales from Finland’s national collection of folk tales, the Kalevala. Lemminkäinen, a heroic figure, travels far. He is chased from an island after falling for its women. He is then tasked with killing a sacred swan, but instead dies himself. Resurrected by his mother, he then returns home. 
• “Even in the darkest parts of Sibelius’ music,” says conductor John Storgårds, “there is still such a strong feeling of the present, of life, of the substance of being human.” Closely associated with the music of Sibelius, Storgårds has spent his life perfecting his interpretations.

Please note: Online ticket sales close three hours before the performance. However, you can still purchase tickets in person or by calling the box office at 314.534.1700.