program notes

JEAN SIBELIUS
(1865–1957)

Sibelius was a Finnish composer of the Late Romantic and Early Modern eras. His music is characterized by a strong sense of nationalism, with many of his compositions drawing on Finnish folk music and themes. Sibelius felt a profound connection to the natural landscape of his homeland, and his music often evokes the vast expanses of Finland's forests and lakes.

Sibelius composed Symphony No. 2 in 1901 and revised it in 1903, stating, "My second symphony is a confession of the soul." The premiere was well received, with the finale often thought of as synonymous with the struggle for Finnish independence from Russia—so much so that some dubbed the piece the “Symphony of Independence.” The finale is a musical manifestation of the country's journey from darkness and uncertainty to hope and triumph, serving as an emotional and cultural rallying point for the Finnish people during this pivotal period in their history.