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Last month the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra’s Total Immersion day "Sibelius the Storyteller" ventured into the literary and cultural hinterland of one of the 20th century’s great symphonists. No genius creates in a vacuum, and while Sibelius’s seven symphonies are landmarks of 20th-century orchestral music, they have deep roots. Today, over four concerts, we venture into the forests (both real and legendary) that nourished Sibelius’s imagination: the words, the landscapes, the colleagues and the traditions that formed the bedrock on which he built his distinctive musical vision.

In this first concert, "Phantoms, Visions, Siren Voices", poetry and music merge in readings and songs performed by Guildhall Musicians and Actors. We’ll hear songs spanning three decades of creativity: tales of nature, of supernatural encounters and of love, sung in both Finnish and Swedish. And there’s a rare opportunity to hear two of Sibelius’s melodramas – spoken-word poetry set to a powerfully evocative score. And we begin with an introduction from the day's curator, Professor Daniel Grimley.

Jean Sibelius: Ved Strandens Granar, Drömmen and Till Frigga from 7 Songs, Op 13
Felix Gygli (baritone)
Thomas Jesty (piano)

Jean Sibelius: S’en har jag ej frågat mera, Illalle and Lastu Lainehilla from 7 Songs, Op 17
Jean Sibelius: Norden from 6 Songs, Op 90
Caroline Bourg (soprano)
Edward Picton-Turbervill (piano)

Jean Sibelius: Svartsjukans Nätter
Aina Miyagi Magnell (reciter)
Caroline Bourg (soprano)
Luke Lally-Maguire, (piano)
Violetta Suvini (violin)
Gabriel Francis-Dehqani (cello)

Jean Sibelius: Ett ensamt skidspår
Aina Miyagi Magnell (reciter)
Edward Picton-Turbervill (piano)

Shayde Sinclair (narrator)
Curt Ray (narrator)

Recorded at Milton Court, Barbican Centre, on 9 October.