Press Room

 

Kalevi Aho is a prolific composer with a reputation that stretches far beyond his native Finland. Rouvali and Helsing, two young Finnish conductors developing remarkable international careers, conduct the first two performances of this new trombone concerto, while Bolshoi supremo Vedernikov conducts in London.

The relationship between composer and musician began two years ago in Amsterdam when they first met to discuss the commission. The resulting Concerto comprises a traditional four movements and combines lyrical with very rhythmic, percussive sections. Aho explores the full scope of the trombone’s capabilities and takes full advantage of van Rijen’s formidable technique, requiring him to play both tenor and alto trombone. “There is a long chorale with double-tone playing and some complex manoeuvres with valve attachment tubing and double-tongue playing as well,” comments van Rijen. “It’s a very difficult piece technically – but that is very exciting for me, and hopefully the audience too.”

As well as this new piece for van Rijen, four more of Kalevi Aho’s new works will be world premiered this year, while the Swedish label BIS will be releasing four more CDs devoted to his music during 2012.