NSOI: John O’Conor plays Beethoven

National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Lina Gonzáles-Granados, conductor
John O’Conor, piano

Kaija Saariaho Ciel d’hiver (Irish Premiere)
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 
Sibelius Symphony No. 2

John O’Conor, ‘the world’s premier Beethoven interpreter’ (CD Review) joins forces with National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and the ‘increasingly in-demand’ (Chicago Tribune) conductor Lina Gonzáles-Granados for Beethoven’s spirited Piano Concerto No. 1 in a must-hear concert including Sibelius’s Second Symphony and the Irish premiere of Saariaho’s Ciel d’hiver.

John O’Conor’s ‘world-class virtuosity’ (Gramophone) in Beethoven guarantees a memorable reading of the bold and daring, lyrical and introspective First Piano Concerto.

His longest and grandest orchestral work before his First Symphony, the concerto dazzles with bold orchestral effects, rich string writing, imaginative use of woodwinds and mischief-making surprises to showcase Beethoven’s innovative flair and vitality.

Sibelius’s Second Symphony spins a simple three-note motif into sweeping, organic melodies. Infused with national fervour and evocative Nordic atmosphere, it’s an emotional journey from quiet reflection to heroic brass chorales that evokes Finland’s natural beauty and spirit.

Kaija Saariaho’s shimmering Ciel d’hiver evokes the chilled sweep and vast breadth of the rise and fall of constellations in luminous, celestial orchestration. From the shiver-inducing sounds of strings, harp and percussion to the warming tones of winds and brass and ethereal blend of piano and cello, it’s an enthralling evocation of the majesty of the Winter Sky of its title.

Presented by NCH