34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 20-26, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com MUSIC When Music Director Jayce Ogren takes the baton and podium to lead the Monterey Symphony in this weekend’s concerts offering the music of Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), it will be personal for him. “This will be very different from our programs so far,” Ogren says. “I almost think of this as a festival program celebrating a single composer who is one of my all-time favorites.” Sibelius rose to national prominence in Finland very early in the 20th century, when his tone poem “Finlandia” gave voice to the turbulence of the Finnish people’s historical struggles with Russian imperialism, censorship and expansionism, not unlike what Ukraine is dealing with today. This weekend’s outing posts Sibelius as the only featured composer, showcasing a symphony and a violin concerto, which Ogren says suits him fine. “[Sibelius’] second symphony moves me in a way that no other works in the entire canon do,” says Ogren. “It’s just so forthright, expressive and patriotic. It is a reaffirmation of Finnish strength and resolve.” Ogren explains the structure of the piece: “The second movement of the symphony is tortuous,” Ogren says, “like walking through a brazen wilderness...deeply longing for peace. An overwhelming resolution comes in the fourth movement, which shows a clear fought victory over Russian oppression. It’s profound, and very moving.” As is often the case with powerful compositions, the second symphony has not always been universally adored. Many critics have opined that the work is on par with the great symphonies of Beethoven, but one New York City writer called it vulgar and self-indulgent. “I don’t think of it as controversial at all,” Ogren counters. “It’s undeniably one of his greatest pieces, and it always seems to bring out some of my own very best work.” Both concerts this weekend will open with Sibelius’ only violin concerto, and will welcome guest soloist Tessa Lark to her Peninsula debut. “The concerto is extremely technically demanding,” Ogren says. “It unfolds in a very clear and natural way, moving from peacefulness to very explosive... There are aspects of this concerto that find absolute perfection in form.” Monterey Symphony Concert IV, ‘Ethereal’ 7:30pm Saturday, April 22 and 3pm Sunday, April 23. $44-$85. Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. 6202048, montereysymphony.org. MANNY ESPINOZA Musically Speaking The Monterey Symphony presents the ‘forthright, expressive and patriotic’ work of Jean Sibelius. By Paul Fried Jean Sibelius’ second symphony, which the Monterey Symphony plays this weekend, is a favorite of Music Director Jayce Ogren: “It almost always moves me to tears.” Celebrate Earth Month and Support the Lands You Love! Join our guided hikes during the wildflower superbloom in April and May to raise funds for Big Sur Land Trust’s conservation and stewardship work throughout Monterey County! FEATURING: • April 23 Mitteldorf Preserve to Joshua Creek (10.5 miles) • April 28 Marks Ranch (2 miles) • April 29 Mitteldorf Preserve to Joshua Creek (10.5 miles) • May 6 Arroyo Seco Ranch (8.5 miles) Self-guided hikes are also available in Big Sur and Carmel Valley. There’s something for every fitness level! Learn more and sign up at qrco.de/BSLT_ROS Big Sur Land Trust is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. A DINNER AND RAFFLE TO BENEFIT MONTEREY COUNTY RAPE CRISIS CENTER SATURDAY MAY 6, 2023, 5–8pm AT THE CLUB AT PASADERA Join us for MCRCC’s 50th anniversary! Enjoy a delightful meal, wine, and an evening among new and old friends who believe in supporting survivors of sexual violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Scan the QR code to purchase dinner and raffle tickets! Dinner: $100 Raffle: $5, or 5 tickets for $20 (sign up by April 23) Thank you for your support. TOGETHER WITH LOVE Presenting Sponsor:
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