SIBELIUS: VIOLIN CONCERTO - LEMMINKÄINEN SUITE

As chief conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Santtu-Matias Rouvali has spent five years recording Sibelius' symphonies and symphonic poems for Alpha Classics, landmarks of the discography which have received numerous awards worldwide. He wanted to continue this cycle with the famous violin concerto, for which he chose the young Swedish violinist Ava Bahari, artist in residence at the Gothenburg Symphony and ECHO Rising Star for 2026/2027... Together, they form a close-knit duo and share the same passion for the music of the Finnish composer who, heartbroken at not having realised his dream of becoming a virtuoso violinist, composed a concerto that would become an essential work in the history of music, in which soloist and orchestra merge... Rouvali and the GSO also recorded another work that demonstrates Sibelius' innovative symphonic thinking: the cycle of Four Legends of Lemminkäinen, first heard in Helsinki on 13 April 1896.

Release Date: 24 April 2026
Label: Alpha Classics
Award: Gramophone Editor's Choice: April 2026

“Bahari is an enthralling storyteller, investing every phrase with musical intention…” The Guardian

“Hugely impressed by Ava Bahari here. She is truly a storyteller.” Gramophone

“Ava Bahari findet genau die richtige Balance zwischen kühner Attacke, kerniger Intensität und einer Expressivität, die selbst in den intimsten Momenten durchaus Haltung bewahrt.” Rondo-Magazin

“ … an absolutely beautiful performance.” Classic’s Today

“Il en résulte une lecture fortement lyrique et d’une indéniable probité, sans la moindre faute de goût…” Diapason