Exploring Symphony No. 5 with Sam Bergman
Sat Jan 15 — Sun Jan 16, 2022
Orchestra Hall
Why did Sibelius write two significantly different versions of the same symphony? And why does Minnesota Orchestra violist Sam Bergman call Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony “the Best Piece?” Get the answers to these questions and learn many other compositional secrets in this one-of-a-kind concert. Hear from Sam and Osmo Vänskä about the unusual history of Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony and explore examples along the way. Then, sit back for a complete performance of this soaring symphony.
A Few Things to Know
- Under 40? We have $20 tickets just for you. Choose price type "$20under40" when purchasing and show your ID when you pick your tickets up at will call.
- Since 2005, Sam Bergman has produced, written and hosted more than 40 original narrated performances for the Minnesota Orchestra, many in collaboration with conductor Sarah Hicks.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Osmo Vänskä
conductor
Sam Bergman
host
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, founded in 1903 and led since its centennial by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, is recognized for distinguished performances around the world, award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts, educational engagement programs, and commitment to building the orchestral repertoire of the future. The Orchestra tours regularly throughout Minnesota and nationally, and has toured abroad in Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and South Africa. Recording has been an important part of the organization’s mission since the 1920s. During Vänskä’s tenure, the Orchestra has undertaken acclaimed recordings, including complete cycles of symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven, Jean Sibelius and—now underway—Mahler.
Since becoming the Orchestra’s music director in 2003, Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä has led the ensemble on several major international tours, including historic tours to Cuba and South Africa and six visits to Europe. His recording projects with the Orchestra have met with great success, including a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance for an album of Sibelius symphonies. Vänskä's 19-year tenure as music director comes to a close at the end of the 2021-22 season, a year in which the Orchestra will celebrate his lasting impact through performances of Sibelius symphonies and other signature repertoire, reconnections with favorite guest soloists and the continuation of a project to perform and record all ten Mahler symphonies.
Violist Sam Bergman joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 2000 at the age of 23. Born in Boston, he grew up primarily in small-town Pennsylvania, studying violin and viola with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra. He attended Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio, studying viola with Jeffrey Irvine and Lynne Ramsey, and played as a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham before coming to Minneapolis.
Your Concert Experience
Join us for Q&A’s, hosted discussions, exhibits and more. All free with your concert ticket!
Indulge at the Elixir Haus
When: Pre-Concert and Intermission
Where: Cargill Commons
Beverage service is available before and during each winter concert at Elixir Haus (located outside Orchestra Hall). Grab your coat and head outside for a sip of spirits or a cup of hot cocoa.
The World of Jean Sibelius Exhibit
When: Sat Jan 15 | Pre-Concert and Intermission
Where: Balcony A
"The World of Jean Sibelius," produced by Finnish documentarian Pekka Hako, is comprised of panels illustrating in images and text Sibelius' life and work. Learn about Sibelius as a composer, a student, an artist, and a family man. This exhibit is sponsored by the Finlandia Foundation.
Osmo Vänskä Retrospective Photography Exhibit
When: Sat Jan 15 | Pre-Concert and Intermission
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer
Stroll down memory lane in our lobby photography exhibit, as we celebrate some of the indelible moments of the last two decades with Music Director Osmo Vänskä.
The World of Jean Sibelius Exhibit
When: Sun Jan 16 | Pre-Concert and Intermission
Where: Balcony A
"The World of Jean Sibelius," produced by Finnish documentarian Pekka Hako, is comprised of panels illustrating in images and text Sibelius' life and work. Learn about Sibelius as a composer, a student, an artist, and a family man. This exhibit is sponsored by the Finlandia Foundation.
Osmo Vänskä Retrospective Photography Exhibit
When: Sun Jan 16 | Pre-Concert and Intermission
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer
Stroll down memory lane in our lobby photography exhibit, as we celebrate some of the indelible moments of the last two decades with Music Director Osmo Vänskä.
Today I saw 16 swans. God, what beauty! They circled over me for a long time. Disappeared into the solar haze like a silver ribbon.”
Video: Hear from Minnesota Orchestra violist Sam Bergman on his favorite piece, and what to expect from the concert and conversation, as we conclude the 2022 Sibelius Festival.
Accessibility Services
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large Print Programs
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
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