David Neely, music director

Venture among century-old forests in Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome, a tone poem that sonically captures visions of the trees which dominate the Roman landscape. Featuring four distinct scenes that flow uninterrupted, Pines of Rome takes listeners on a journey through the splendor of Rome. From the spirited melodies of children at play in the Villa Borghese pine groves to the triumphant march of the Roman legions as they advance along the Appian Way, each movement paints a rich, auditory tapestry.

This performance also features two works by Finnish composers. Kaija Saariaho’s ethereal Lumière et Pesanteur, inspired by the oratorio La Passion de Simone that explores the life and writings of Jewish French philosopher Simone Weil, moves and breathes as if the music were alive. Jean Sibelius’ climactic Symphony No. 5 is inspired by the natural world, capturing the beauty of life and providing a triumphant conclusion to the program.