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Hopefully the music of Jean Sibelius is being performed by/for the Finnish Community in your area. Early in the 1900s Sibelius narrated in music the story of Finland’s struggle for freedom. Finlandia, Opus 26, describes the Finns taking on challenges beyond their known capacities. Finnish Sisu gave suffering people the strength and determination to overcome extraordinary mental and physical challenges in their long quest for freedom from foreign domination.

Finlandia’s opening measures consist of two notes. This short threatening statement informs all that the Finns have Sisu and are “determined to win.” The motive is immediately repeated and the mood expanded at an increased level of ferocity. Finnish “will power, tenacity, persistency,” will overcome all odds and predicts an ultimate victory, freedom and a national Finnish identity.

Symphony No. 2 in D Major, the most often performed of Sibelius’ Symphonies, was also created early in the century. The Second is charged with dramatic changes of temperament. Its 4th movement Finale concludes in a “stately, dignified and majestic” mood of “triumphant and heroism.” This will bring an audience to its feet. Listeners will have a better understanding of their Finnish heritage and how Finland was created and now influences the world.

You are invited to listen to Symphony No. 2. It is performed by a volunteer “community orchestra,” the Scandinavian Symphony Orchestra of Detroit (USA). On March 7, 2015, Finlandia and a premier performance of Symphony No. 2 took place in Jakarta, Indonesia.  The audio/video record of this historic occasion is currently unavailable. Years ago the premier performance of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1 was included in my All-Sibelius Program in Manila, The Philippines.

I am prepared to conduct an All-Sibelius Program or conduct Finlandia and Symphony No. 2 on the second half of a program. I’m available to conduct three programs in October/November of 2015 and will consider requests for 2016 and thereafter. I shall travel in Asia in early 2016.

Sincerely,

William Savola

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