Boccherini/Berio Ritirata notturna di MadridBernstein Chichester Psalms*Copland Clarinet ConcertoEinojuhani Rautavaara Cantus ArcticusSibelius Symphony No.5Geoffrey Paterson conductorJulian Bliss clarinetAgustin Pennino countertenor*Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ChoirMatthew Hamilton Director of Choirs and Singing
“What beauty!” exclaimed Jean Sibelius, as he saw a flight of swans in the northern sky. They inspired his magnificent Fifth Symphony, and that radiant piece is tonight seamlessly introduced by Finnish composer Rautavaara’s haunting ‘Concerto for Birds and Orchestra’. But conductor Geoffrey Paterson begins with midnight in Madrid, honouring Berio’s 100th birthday with a work that received its UK premiere here in Liverpool from our Orchestra. It’s a wonderful contrast to Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and the all-American sunshine of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, played by Julian Bliss.