“If there were an Olympic discipline for virtuoso wind playing, the Raschèr Quartet would definitely receive a gold medal”. These are the words of an enthusiastic critic after one of the quartet’s concerts. This really is an ensemble out the ordinary. During the 40 years the quartet has been performing, they have played with most of the world’s leading orchestras on the most important stages in Europe, Asia and the United States. Along the way, they’ve been acclaimed for their amazing sound. One of their special attributes is their democratic approach. The quartet has no leader, which is unusual for classical ensembles.

The Raschèr Saxophone Quartet has a unique ability to interpret and pull out the best from every piece, both new and older music alike. The four saxophonists are happy to explore their instruments to create new sounds and effects. This has made them incredibly popular among modern composers who see the opportunity to really let their imaginations go wild. So far, over 300 composers have been inspired to write works especially for the quartet, including Swedish composers Sven-David Sandström and Anders Nilsson.

Now it is the Finnish composer Kalevi Aho’s turn (1949-). His newly written work Klockorna is a commissioned piece for NorrlandsOperan’s Symphony Orchestra together with the Helsinki Philharmonic, the Radio Orchestra in Milano and the Brandburger Symphony. Klockorna’s world premier was in Kalevi Aho’s hometown of Helsinki in April of last year. This is a work inspired by the boom of church bells, but Oriental influences also resonate. This is not the only Swedish premier of the evening. The opera The Sacrifice (2007), composed by the Scottish composer and conductor James MacMillan (1959-), is based on a Welsh myth. MacMillan has used the opera’s three interludes to create the symphonic suite we will be hearing tonight. It is typically MacMillan to flirt with known 19th century composers by using fragments or themes from their works. So don’t be surprised if you suddenly recognize Britten, Rautavaara or even Bernstein.

The concert concludes with Jean Sibelius’s (1865–1957) Symphony No. 7. This is his most performed and refined work even if he described it differently: “Rage and passion . . . are utterly essential in it, but it is supported by undercurrents deep under the surface of the music”. This evening’s conductor is André de Ridder, principal conductor for the British orchestra Sinfonia VIVA. His musical core is in the classical and romantic repertoire while at the same time being noted for innovative programme combinations. 


NorrlandsOperan’s Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: André de Ridder / Soloists: Raschèr Saxophone Quartet
James MacMillan: Three interludes from The Sacrifice /
Kalevi Aho: Klockorna / Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 6

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