In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence, Finnish cellist Jussi Makkonen and pianist Nazig Azezian will tour six U.S. cities with their program, Sibelius Inspiration. It is a Spotlight Event of the Finlandia Foundation Finland 100 Music Program.
Through live performance of Jean Sibelius’ music, the moving program evokes the Finnish natural world that inspired Finland’s legendary composer. The multi-media version of the program, to be performed in Seattle, San Diego and New York, utilizes special lighting, sound and video to complement the live performance.
Makkonen and Azezian are accomplished musicians, each earning a master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. They have performed as soloists, in ensembles, and as a duet across Europe and in the U.S.
The programs took place:
- Saturday, October 14, Seattle – Seattle Pacific University
- Tuesday, October 17, Portland, OR – Nordia House
- Sunday, October 22, San Diego – Central Library
- Thursday, October 26, Denver – Bethany Lutheran Church
- Sunday, October 29, W. Newton, MA (Boston area) – Scandinavian Cultural Center
- Saturday, November 11, New York City – Scandinavia House