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Tribute to Sibelius

October 13, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Jean Sibelius was a famous Finnish composer of the later Romantic period. His music had an important part in the formation of Finland’s national identity. Born as Johan Julius Christian Sibelius, he began using the French form of his name ‘Jean’ during his years as a student. He is now known universally as Jean Sibelius. He studied Law for a while after his graduation from high school, but his love for music proved to be stronger and he later quit his law studies. From 1885 till 1889, Sibelius studied music in Helsinki music school.

Jean Sibelius

The Sibelius monument in Helsinki is dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius

Some of his best-known compositions include Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse triste and The Swan of Tuonela. In 1908, Sibelius underwent a major operation for suspected throat cancer. Though the operation went well, his close encounter with death was said to have inspired the works that he composed in the following years. 18 years after his brush with death, many noticed a sharp decline in his output of musical works. After his Seventh Symphony, Sibelius only produced a few major works for the rest of his life. Jean Sibelius passed away at a great old age of 91 due to brain haemorrhage.

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing three of this Finnish composer’s pieces, that is Finlandia, Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 2. The violin concerto will be performed by Mr. Barnabas Kelemen and Mr Olari Elts will be conducting the orchestra. The musical performance is scheduled for 15th October 2011 at 8.30 pm AND 16th October 2011 at 3.00 pm. Tickets are priced at RM 30, RM 60, RM 90 and RM 120. Patrons of the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas will have to observe its dress code, which is smart casual when attending the concerts. For more information, please log on to Dewan Filharmonik Petronas’ website.

Photo (c) robin-root

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