Sakari Oramo

Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo has two significant CD releases this summer - a disc of fascinating works by Danish composer Per Nørgård on the Dacapo label, and a continuation of his successful Elgar cycle with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra on BIS records.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performed octogenarian composer Per Nørgård's new Eighth Symphony as part of last year's Vienna Festival to great acclaim. Subsequently, the orchestra recorded both Nørgård's Eighth and his First Symphonies (his first and last so far), for release on CD (Dacapo 6.220574). Nørgård's creativity is prolific: he has written over four hundred works. Their extraordinary range is aptly represented here, from the dark Sinfonia austera to the Eighth Symphony's sparkling playfulness.

Oramo said of the recording: 'Two symphonic works spanning over almost six decades. The First, searching, brooding, full of uncontained energy, The Eighth, charming, witty, multi-faceted. Both works very Nordic, yet universal. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, giving their unmistakable sound and flair to the service of Nørgård's music, did it every justice. The conductor, who felt very fulfilled during the two weeks in May 2013, thanks the composer, the orchestra and the record company for a life-changing opportunity.'

In his new recording on BIS records (BIS-1939), Oramo further cements his reputation as an Elgar conductor of distinction. The First Symphony is paired with the Cockaigne overture - an unashamedly populist portrait of 'old London town', and both performances benefit from Oramo's fresh approach and clear-sighted direction.

Posted: 7 July 2014

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