Sibelius Finlandia, Op. 26 No. 7

James Judd Conductor

Gathering limits prevented the NZSO from performing to audiences for much of 2021, but we wanted to keep the band playing together and provide music for people at home. We recorded a number of great works during this time under the baton of Music Director Emeritus James Judd and with the support of broadcast partner RNZ Concert.

This is one of these works, and we hope it is of interest to you.

Finlandia was originally written as part of a patriotic work to support Finland’s independence from Russia. The music starts with a powerful, dramatic introduction, building to a soaring, beautiful melody that has become a symbol of Finland’s national pride.