Closing Night - Composer Roots 7: Sibelius’s ‘Kullervo’ by Sibelius, Traditional, Ħam 17 Mej 2018, Minn (2018/2018), Surmast Direttur Thomas Dausgaard, City Halls, Glasgow, United Kingdom

“Kullervo, son of Kalervo/Had the very bluest stockings/And the fairest golden hair…” Every story has to start somewhere, and in this remarkable choral symphony the young Sibelius took inspiration from Finland’s most ancient poem, the Kalevala. This is Sibelius in the raw: the tragedy of a young hero and a love more terrible than war, told in music of epic power and brooding passion. So gather round: Thomas Dausgaard, two magnificent young singers and one of Scandinavia’s best choirs retell the story tonight, alongside performances of folk music from the same far Northern roots. And then, let’s dance: the evening – and our season – ends with a party in the Old Fruitmarket with a collaboration between tonight’s Finnish folk musicians and the Alastair Savage Trio and Friends. A separate ticket is required for entry. Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room and Foyer - a chance to meet the folk musicians performing in the concert. The main concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, presented by Jamie MacDougall.