大象传媒

The 大象传媒 Philharmonic is conducted by Chief Conductor John Storgards in a programme which has at it's heart the UK premiere of James Lee III's Piano Concerto "Shades of Unbroken Dreams". Inspired by Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech in its 60th anniversary year the music is a powerful expression of the composer's passion for social justice, equality, and the right of all people to have a voice. Pianist Alexandra Dariescu, for whom the piece has been written joins the 大象传媒 Philharmonic.

Nielsen's Fourth Symphony "Inextinguishable" closes the programme. "music is life and life is inextinguishable" Nielsen said, and this music shows this in spades with its explosive rhythmic drive and energy.

Conductor John Storgards swaps baton for his violin for the UK premiere of "Helena's Song" by Finnish composer Sebastian Fagerlund. In music adapted from his 2017 opera "Autumn Sonata" it is in this music that Helena, the protagonist of the opera, who has up to then not been able to speak, finds her voice.

The programme opens with Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man - setting the scene for a programme which celebrates the importance of a voice for all people.

Recorded at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall in November 2023 and presented by Tom McKinney

Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
James Lee III: Shadows of Unbroken Dreams

Music Interval

8.20
Sebastian Fagerlund: Helena's Song
Nielsen: Symphony No. 4 "Inextinguishable"

Alexandra Dariescu (piano)
John Storgards (conductor / violin)
大象传媒 Philharmonic