Dalia Stasevska
Veronika Eberle Anna Thorvaldsdottir
Jean Sibelius
Felix Mendelssohn

There is a theory of parallel universes, worlds that exist alongside our own. Anna Thorvaldsdottir's Archora seeks to open such a space, where the familiar and the foreign merge. Soloist Veronika Eberle takes us into Jean Sibelius' intense and dramatic Violin Concerto, today one of the most important works in the violin repertoire. And finally, Felix Mendelssohn leads us south, where Italian sunshine meets religious festivity and ancient grandeur.

Thorvaldsdottir: Archora

Archora is composed around the idea that there exists another parallel world that is everywhere – at once familiar and foreign, static and in transformation. Anna Thorvaldsdottir (b. 1977) has used this idea to shape the work's structure, energy and atmosphere. Thorvaldsdottir is known for writing music with an entirely unique and personal sonic landscape. This is also true of Archora.

Thorvaldsdottir is an acclaimed Icelandic composer and winner of the Nordic Council Music Prize in 2019. Archora was written for and premiered by the BBC Philharmonic at the BBC Proms in 2022.

Sibelius: Violin Concerto

Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) lived a turbulent life at the beginning of the 20th century. The completion of his Violin Concerto was marked by alcohol problems and intense pressure. After its premiere in 1904, he grew increasingly dissatisfied with the work. In 1905 a revised version of the violin concerto appeared, one he found much more satisfactory.

The opening of the work takes us straight into the Finnish forests, and the piece is often experienced as a musical depiction of Finland's nature and landscape. Many who have interpreted the work also see it as a reflection of the Nordic people, who are often perceived as somewhat reserved and mysterious. Today, Sibelius' Violin Concerto is regarded as one of the most central works in the violin repertoire.

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4

Symphony No. 4 "Italian" by Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) is a travelogue from a ten-month journey he made through Italy in 1830 and 1831. The symphony depicts Mediterranean sunshine, religious solemnity and monumental architecture. Its overall mood is light and optimistic.

The symphony was premiered in London in 1833 to great success. Mendelssohn himself was never entirely satisfied and revised it on several occasions. In retrospect, the "Italian" has become one of his most frequently performed symphonies. Close your eyes, and perhaps you can take a trip to Italy through the music.