On Sunday 8 May Dima Slobodeniouk makes his LSO Barbican debut alongside star violinist Baiba Skride, in a concert that includes Sibelius' Second Symphony. We spoke to Dima ahead of the concert to find out how he fell in love with Sibelius' music and what to expect from the concert.
Discovering Sibelius
I discovered Sibelius’ music when I moved to Finland at the age of 16. In my childhood I hadn't heard much more than the Violin Concerto, so the world of his symphonic music, as well as chamber music, vocal repertoire and incidental music, was completely new to me. This new, and slightly unusual, music also represented the start of a new life for me. The life I am now so grateful for.
Curating the Concert
This is the first time that I've programmed the two pieces in this concert – Sibelius' Second Symphony and Sofia Gubaidulina's Offertorium – together, but I believe it is a great pairing. Both works feed the needs of the audience: imagination, heart and spirit.
Collaborating with Baiba Skride
Baiba and I have performed a lot together! It is always a great joy. Apart from the fact that she is an amazing musician, we have reached a point where we can read each others' minds on-stage. It is very rewarding – and I am sure also for the public!
SIBELIUS SECOND SYMPHONY
Sunday 8 May
Sofia Gubaidulina Offertorium
Interval
Sibelius Symphony No 2
Dima Slobodeniouk conductor
Baiba Skride violin
London Symphony Orchestra
Tickets: £60 £48 £35 £24 £18
£3 online booking fee, £4 telephone booking fee per transaction - click here for more information on booking fees
