Under the capable baton of Susanna Mälkki (chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and principal guest conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic) the velvety notes of Sibelius’ fairy tale-themed “En Saga” eased the audience into the concert, which was soon to become far more wild.

The Scene Magazine

Laura Morrison

“Under the capable baton of Susanna Mälkki (chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and principal guest conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic) the velvety notes of Sibelius’ fairy tale-themed “En Saga” eased the audience into the concert, which was soon to become far more wild. […]

The best parts come when Mälkki took it down so low you had to almost lean in to hear — the instrumentalists never letting on how difficult it is to make those notes sound whole and pure. […]

Sweeping themes rolled along like waves throughout, with Mälkki leading the charge with her arms slicing through the air. The work is an ode to Finland. It’s full of romance and dancing melodies. And the instrumentalists let it rip, digging into the piece’s back and forth between light and dark. The third movement especially soared, with its quickened pace and joyful demeanor.”

The Scene Magazine