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Kluxen – Atwood, Heggie, & Sibelius

September 28 @ 2:30 pm

Ten years following the tragic death of his sister, opera star Joshua Hopkins showcases a powerful song cycle that honours her memory and comforts those who are in grief. Co-commissioned by the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Houston Grand Opera, composer Jake Heggie sets poetry by Margaret Atwood in a moving musical work that speaks out against domestic violence. Music of Sibelius (including VS’s own Russell Bajer on English horn for The Swan of Tuonela) balances the program with works of sublime beauty and pastoral comfort.

 

Christian Kluxen, conductor

Now in his ninth season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony in Canada, Christian Kluxen is also in his third season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, following a five-year tenure as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Philharmonic in Norway.

Kluxen has been described in the press as “a dynamic, charismatic figure” who “forms the music with an impressive vertical power of emotion and a focus on the grand form”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth”. He is recognized for his sincere and transparent leadership, innovative programming and his bold, imaginative and energetic interpretations, showcased both in his MD and guest work.

Alongside his many and varied commitments with the Victoria Symphony and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, recent and forthcoming guest engagements include Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Pacific Symphony, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Odense Symphony, and Norrköping Symphony. A fruitful and inspiring relationship with the Arctic Philharmonic, whom Kluxen led for five years as Chief Conductor, resulted in numerous exhilarating performances of a wide variety of repertoire, as well as several acclaimed recordings.

 

Joshua Hopkins, baritone
Biography to come.

Russel Bajer, English horn
Biography to come.

Program notes to come.

JEAN SIBELIUS (1865—1957)
Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105 (in one movement)
Adagio
Un pochetto meno adagio; Vivacissimo; Adagio
Allegro molto moderato
Vivace; Presto; Adagio; Largamente molto; Affetuoso

JAKE HEGGIE (b. 1961- )
Songs for Murdered Sisters (on texts by Margaret Atwood)
I. Empty Chair – Enchantment
II. Anger
III. Dream
IV. Bird Soul
V. Lost
VI. Rage
VII Coda: Song

SIBELIUS
The Swan of Tuonela

SIBELIUS
Symphony No. 6 in D minor, Op. 104
I. Allegro molto moderato
II. Allegretto moderato
III. Poco vivace
IV. Allegro molto

Details

Date:
September 28
Time:
starts at 2:30 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Farquhar at UVic
University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road
Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
+ Google Map
Phone
250.721.8480

Concert Programme

  • Sibelius
    Symphony No. 7 in C major
  • Jake Heggie / Margaret Atwood
    Songs for Murdered Sisters
  • Sibelius
    The Swan of Tuonela
  • Sibelius
    Symphony No. 6 in D minor

The Victoria Symphony performs on the traditional lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We extend our respect as well as our appreciation for this opportunity.