*Working Title and Key Art
Becoming Sibelius
Concert Type
Classical, Theatrical
Instrumentation & Soloists
2(P).2.3(BC).2 4.3.3.1 TIMP + 2PERC HARP
Strings: 14.12.10.8.6*
Male Actor (Sibelius) - supplied by Concert Lab and currently TBC
Note: String strengths are negotiable
Repertoire List
Excerpts from the following:
Symphony No.1, Op.39, E minor
2(P).2.2.2 4.3.3.1 TIMP +2PERC HARP STRINGS
Symphony No.2, Op.43, D
2.2.2.2 4.3.3.1 TIMP STRINGS
Symphony No.4, Op.63, A minor
2.2.2.2 4.2.3.0 TIMP +1PERC STRINGS
Symphony No.5, Op.82, E flat
2.2.2.2 4.3.3.0 TIMP STRINGS
Symphony No.6, Op.104, D minor
2.2.3(BC).2 4.3.3.0 TIMP HARP STRINGS
Symphony No.7, Op.105, C
2(P).2.2.2 4.3.3.0 TIMP STRINGS
Kuolema, Op. 44: No. 1, Valse Triste
1.0.1.0 2.0.0.0 TIMP STRINGS
Finlandia, Op. 26
2.2.2.2 4.3.3.1 TIMP +1PERC STRINGS
Creative Team
This production is an original concept, conceived and developed by:
Benjamin Northey – writer, music supervisor, conductor
Dean Bryant – writer, director
Andrew Pogson – producer and management (Concert Lab)
(Biographies in Concert Information Sheet)
About the Performance
“You have no idea how brilliant it is… It will be the reckoning of my whole existence”.
What lead composer Jean Sibelius to burn the score to his long awaited 8th Symphony before it could be performed?
Becoming Sibelius combines the dramatic intensity of a one-man show with the emotional power of a symphony orchestra as it brings to life the genius of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Using musical excerpts from his seven symphonies, the evening explores both the successes and struggles of Sibelius’ personal and creative life in an attempt to contextualise his life and contribution to the musical canon.
An actor delivers the narrative from the first-person perspective of Sibelius the old man reflecting on past artistic and personal triumphs and failures. The performance vividly portrays key events in his life drawing inspiration from historical writings and letters revealing the composer struggling with alcoholism, writer’s block, and a crisis of confidence. The accompanying musical performance is woven into, but never overlayed onto the scripted narrative. The selections survey some of Sibelius’ greatest musical moments to highlight his psychological state and support the unfolding drama. The concert ultimately culminates in the tragic destruction of his unfinished 8th Symphony in a way that offers acceptance, resolution and hope.
“You have no idea how brilliant it is… It will be the reckoning of my whole existence” - Jean Sibelius
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