In Focus: Kaija Saariaho featured in Manchester
12th October 2018
© Priska Ketterer
The Royal Northern College of Music and BBC Philharmonic will join forces in a celebration of the music of Kaija Saariaho in Manchester on October 25 and 26.
The composer will be present at the festival and will coach the RNCM’s students in preparation of performances of her solo, ensemble and orchestral works. The concert programmes include a number of signature works, such as Terrestre or Six Japanese Gardens, in which Saariaho blends acoustic instruments and electronic sound in a seemingly effortless way and to dazzling effect. In a public interview on October 25 she will lift the lid on her compositional methods, life and music in conversation with David Horne.
The climax of the residency comes on the final evening in a concert with the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Ludovic Morlot at the Bridgewater Hall featuring Saariaho’s organ concerto Maan Varjot (Earth’s Shadow) with soloist Jan Lehtola and opening with the Ingmar Bergman-inspired Laterna Magica.
All events (except for the final concert) are free to attend with no ticket required. More information
Kaija Saariaho: In Focus
Thursday October 25
1.15pm - RNCM Concert Hall
Saariaho Terrestre, Solarand works by RNCM student composers
RNCM New Ensemble
Mark Heron; Anna Hartman; Mark Edwards, conductor
6pm - Carole Nash Recital Room, RNCM
Saariaho Arabesques et adages, Mirrors, Balladeand works by RNCM student composers
Students of the RNCM
7pm - Carole Nash Recital Room, RNCM
Kaija Saariaho in conversation with David Horne
Friday October 26
1.15pm - RNCM Concert Hall
Saariaho Frises, Six Japanese Gardens
and works by RNCM student composers
Students of the RNCM
6.30pm - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Saariaho Nocturne, Neiges
Students of the RNCM
7.30pm – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Saariaho Laterna Magica, Maan varjot (Earth's Shadows)
and works by Berlioz
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Jan Lehtola, organ; Ludovic Morlot, conductor
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