Sibelius
When Jean Sibelius began his symphonic poem Finlandia in 1899, Finland was still part of the Russian Empire; previously, it had belonged to Sweden. The Finns longed for independence, but were still searching for their own identity and national pride.
Sibelius's Finlandia solved that problem in one fell swoop. The work begins ominously, continues turbulently, as a musical expression of the struggle for Finnish independence, and then concludes jubilantly: Finland is proud, independent, and free. The four-part hymn Finlandia , which Sibelius based on this final passage, remains Finland's unofficial second national anthem, and Sibelius is not only the most popular Finnish composer, but one of the most popular Finns of all time.
Tchaikovsky
In his First Symphony, Tchaikovsky recalls the winters of his youth. The first movement is subtitled "Dreams of a Winter Vacation," and the remaining movements are also highly evocative and atmospheric. The symphony is varied and continually surprising.
The Sunday Morning Concert
The Sunday Morning Concert brings you wonderful and much-loved compositions, performed by top musicians from the Netherlands and abroad. Enjoy the most beautiful music in the morning! You can make your Sunday complete by enjoying a delicious post-concert lunch in restaurant LIER.
The Royal Concertgebouw
The Royal Concertgebouw is one of the best concert halls in the world, famous for its exceptional acoustics and varied programme. Attend a concert and have an experience you will never forget. Come and enjoy inspiring music in the beautiful surroundings of the Main Hall or the intimate Recital Hall.
