CONCERT
The Firebird
Artists
Carlos Vieu, conductor
Symphony San Jose
Program
Richard Wagner
Tannhäuser Overture
Sonia Possetti
Bullanguera
Johannes Brahms
Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Jean Sibelius
Finlandia
Igor Stravinsky
The Firebird Suite
About This Performance
With music as enchanting and lavishly colorful as the title character, The Firebird is the perfect way to celebrate the
new year. This suite comes from the 1910 ballet that launched Stravinsky’s international career. Opening the program is Sibelius’ most-famous composition, Finlandia, evoking the struggles of his native homeland with equal parts ominousness, pride, and festivity. Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn is one of the famed Romantic composer’s most popular works. Adding to the program's grandeur, Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser Overture introduces a powerful sense of drama and passion. Argentinian conductor Carlos Vieu brings Sonia Possetti’s spirited Bullanguera from his homeland to complete this program.