Susanna Mälkki returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic to conduct the US premiere of Saariaho’s Vista and Tchaikovsky’s quintessentially romantic Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring Italian pianist Beatrice Rana, hailed for her “ferocious technique” and “musical intelligence” (The New York Times). Performances will take place at Walt Disney Concert Hall on October 29, 30, 31.
Mälkki conducted Saariaho’s masterful work last month with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, garnering acclaim from Adventures in Music: “Performed with riveting sensitivity and remarkable instrumental expressivity by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra under Mälkki, Vista was given a wondrous live outing […] An immaculate fusion of textural richness and solid musical architecture, the performance was lauded with a standing ovation as the composer took her bows with Mälkki and the orchestra; a concert opening to remember.”
Check out the LA Phil’s “Welcome to the Sound Gallery” conversation between Julia Ward, LA Phil’s Director of Humanities, and Susanna Mälkki, where Mälkki shares her thoughts on listening, power, and getting to the essence.
Photo credit: Jiyang Chen