The Exterminating Angel by Madetoja, Saariaho, Pingoud, Adès, Alates (2023/2023), Dirigent Dima Slobodeniouk, Musiikkitalo, Helsinki, Finland

“I have been called a futurist, a cubist, ultramodern and a man of extremes,” Ernest Pingoud told the Helsinki press, who found his radical tone language strange. Pingoud, who emigrated from St. Petersburg at the start of the revolution, served as General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra from 1924 until his death. The evening’s first symphony is Thomas Adès’ surreal opera sequel to Luis Buñuel’s film “The Exterminating Angel”. The concert begins with Leevi Madetoja’s rich contribution to the national Kullervo gallery. With its generous resonances, the harp is one of composer Kaija Saariaho's favourite instruments.