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, led by Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård—who is serving as music director designate during the 2022-23 season—is recognized for distinguished performances around the world, award-winning recordings and broadcasts, educational engagement programs, and commitment to building the orchestral repertoire of the future. Founded in 1903, the Orchestra has an extensive history of touring throughout Minnesota, nationally and abroad, including high-profile visits in recent years to Cuba, Europe and South Africa. Recording projects undertaken in the past two decades include complete cycles of symphonies by Beethoven, Sibelius and Mahler, all recorded under Osmo Vänskä, who is now the Orchestra’s conductor laureate.
Minnesota Orchestra Conductor Laureate Osmo Vänskä, whose 19-year tenure as the Orchestra’s music director concluded in summer 2022, is renowned internationally for his compelling interpretations of the standard, contemporary and Nordic repertoires. His multi-year project with the Orchestra to perform and record all ten Mahler symphonies concluded in November 2022 with the Third Symphony. Signature initiatives of his music director tenure included a Sibelius symphonies cycle that earned the Orchestra its first Grammy Award and major tours to Cuba, Europe and South Africa. As a guest conductor, he has received extraordinary praise for his work with many of the world’s leading orchestras.
Violist Sam Bergman joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 2000. 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 was a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra before coming to Minneapolis. Since 2005, he has produced, written and hosted more than 40 original narrated shows for the Minnesota Orchestra, many with conductor Sarah Hicks for the Orchestra’s Inside the Classics series.
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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