WNMF 2023 wraps in style with a striking slate of massive works from around the globe, putting a spotlight on the extreme and thrilling musical contrasts that the symphony orchestra is uniquely capable of.
Zhou Long opens the program with a bang as his Rhyme of Taigu brings the sounds of ceremonial Chinese drumming to the symphonic hall. In tribute to the great Giya Kancheli, we then turn our gaze inward for his mysterious and contemplative Nu.Mu.Zu. (I don’t know).
Victoria Poleva’s explosive fanfare Nova unleashes a full-throated cry of anguish and proud solidarity with the Ukrainian people in a time marked by unspeakable strife and tragedy.
And finally, capping off this program and the festival, Maestro Raiskin and the WSO give the Canadian premiere of distinguished guest composer Kalevi Aho‘s Symphonic Dances, a multi-movement work that channels the primordial elements and primal dance across epic orchestral soundscapes.