HKO: Shadows of Solace

Dalia Stasevska, conductor Anna Thorvaldsdottir: Shadows of Solace (Wed.) Borys Ljatošynskyi: Grazhyna Ottorino Respighi: The Roman Fountains Composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir is known for her powerful orchestral works inspired by nature, its structures, proportions and flows. Her contemporary Icelandic super‑star piece Shadows of Solace is a commission by the Helsinki City Orchestra, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi visited in October 1933 as conductor of the Helsinki City Orchestra. The visit elicited praise from the composer for both the orchestra and the Helsinki audience. “I constantly felt how the audience was close to me and followed me. You know, Finland has a very demanding and music‑understanding audience. That is why there is such an excellent orchestra there, and it was a real pleasure to conduct it.” (Helsingin Sanomat, 10 Dec 1933)