Tomorrow, 24 January, evening should see the Finnish embassy in Cairo celebrate the 150 anniversary of the birth of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. A concert will be held at the Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall where the Cairo Symphony Orchestra will play his compositions. These will include three of Sibelius’s famous works: Karelia Suite Op 14; the Violin Concerto in D minor, Op 47; followed by Symphony No 1 in E minor.
Johan Julius Christian Sibelius was born on 8 December 1865 at a time when the Duchy of Finland was part of the Russian Empire. His most beautiful compositions, including the iconic symphony Finland, were inspired by his longing for freedom. His works drew on Finnish folklore and legends, poetry and literature, and beautiful nature. The Saturday concert in Cairo will feature violinist Anastasia Chebotareva from Russia and will be conducted by the Cairo Symphony’s principal conductor and artistic director Ahmed al-Saeedi.
Watani International
23 January 2015