Sibelius’s Fifth at Saffron Hall

The music

• Errollyn Wallen Mighty River
• Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
• Sibelius Symphony No. 5

The performers

• Edward Gardner conductor*
• Clara-Jumi Kang violin

For Sibelius, the natural world was a constant source of wonder.

Nowhere is this more vividly expressed than in the grandeur and uplift of his mighty symphony, inspired by a summer evening flight of swans, when he felt he heard a melody seemingly wrought from the elements themselves.

But this is just the climax of a powerful concert that begins with Errolyn Wallen’s Mighty River, written to commemorate the abolition of the slave trade and drawing on echoes of spirituals such as Deep River and Go Down Moses. “It is an innate human instinct to be free, just as it is for the river to rush headlong to the sea,” she writes.

Mendelssohn’s ever-popular concerto follows, with Clara-Jumi Kang as soloist – an electrifying artist whose playing combines dazzling virtuosity with searching, thoughtful musicianship.

This concert is made possible by a Circle of Supporters

*Edward Gardner’s position with the LPO is generously supported by Aud Jebsen.

_{Shuttle bus:
Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance}