Marc Djokic, Violin
Image Credit: Contributed
November 10, 2015 - 5:30 PM
KAMLOOPS - Kamloops Symphony returns to the Sagebrush Theatre for the first of their Masterworks Series with Sibelius. They will showcase three works by the composer: Finlandia, the Violin Concerto, and Symphony #2, as an early celebration of the composer’s 150th birthday.
The Finnish composer, who was known for his originality, became a national hero in Finland. Finlandia became the country’s unofficial national anthem. The piece got Sibelius noticed and he became a legend throughout the European continent.
Sibelius’ music helped form the Finnish national identity. The country honours him each year on his birthday, Dec. 8, with an unofficial flag day celebrated as the “Day of Finnish Music”. On Nov. 14, Kamloops Symphony brings the Finnish music to life.
Audience members will hear the Violin Concerto, one of the greatest violin concertos ever written. Although Sibelius began with piano as a child, it was the violin that sparked his enthusiasm for music. Once composition piqued his interest, his violin playing did not keep pace. Nevertheless, his Violin Concerto is a prime example of his compositional genius and is known for its technical challenges. On Nov. 14, Marc Djokic will dig-in for this concerto which blends technical brilliance with an impressive symphonic line.
Djokic has been praised by La Presse for his “rhythmic sense and natural phrasing.” He has won numerous prizes and frequently performs as a soloist with Canada’s top orchestras. He has been critically acclaimed for his spot-on accuracy. Sibelius is one of Djokic’s favourite composers.
“I feel especially drawn to his works as my father and first violin teacher, Philippe Djokic, won the Sibelius Violin Competition in Helsinki in 1977.”
Djokic will be performing this concerto on his newly acquired 1922 Fagnola violin.
Sibelius is Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sagebrush Theatre. Tickets can be purchased from Kamloops Live! Box Office at 250-374-5483 or www.kamloopslive.ca.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015