Sibelius’ First Symphony

Celebrating heroes

A poem, clarinet, banjo and sampled cow are a rare combination on any concert program, but all appear in this playful musical celebration of heroes, great and small.

By turns twisted and tender, John Adams’ ‘gnarly’ ode to his father will astonish you with its witty virtuosity. Perth’s own clarinet rock star Ashley Smith brings his dazzling skills to this amusing and touching concerto.

Sibelius’ vivid First Symphony must be one of the greatest first symphonies ever composed. Opening with a brooding clarinet solo over softly rumbling timpani it climaxes with a majestically passionate melody carried on glorious waves of sound, before a Nordic chill brings a haunting conclusion.