James Ehnes joue Brahms

Let yourself be swept away by romantic flourishes, nature-inspired emotions, and dance rhythms in this exhilarating program, opening with the rarely performed Carnival Overture by Morawetz. Originally Czech but Canadian by adoption, the composer makes the orchestra sparkle before it is joined by James Ehnes, one of Canada's greatest violinists, who offers his interpretation of Brahms' sumptuous Violin Concerto. The composer beautifully captures the poetic, lyrical, and fiery soul of an instrument he didn't initially master, eventually "taming" it with the help of his friend, virtuoso Joseph Joachim. The concerto concludes with an irresistible gypsy-inspired finale, paving the way for another folk-inspired masterpiece. In his Second Symphony, Sibelius evokes the landscapes and music of his native Finland, sublimating them into his uniquely expressive style—a dense, passionate score that established him as one of the most influential composers of his era.