Sibelius's Fifth Symphony

Chief Conductor John Storgärds joins the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra for music inspired by the beauty, terror and joy of nature.

James McVinnie is soloist in Gabriella Smith's Organ Concerto 'Breathing Forests'. This music immerses us in the life of a Californian forest; she celebrates the vital role of the forest ecosystems in the fight against climate change but mourns the loss of so much destroyed by fire. In three movements titled 'Grow', 'Breathe' and 'Burn', she reflects "on the complex relationship between humans, forests, climate change and fire."

Surrounding Gabrielle Smith's wildlife-infused music are two pieces linked by a single animal. In Wagner's opera 'Lohengrin', the title character is sent in a swan-drawn boat to rescue a maiden. Sibelius, too, found inspiration in swans, writing in his diary about a skein of swans in flight inspiring the majestic finale of his Fifth Symphony.

Recorded on 19 September at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, and presented by Mark Forrest.

Wagner: Lohengrin: Prelude to Act I
Gabriella Smith: Breathing Forests, Concerto for Organ and Orchestra

8.15

Sibelius: Symphony No.5

James McVinnie (organ)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgärds (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers, just ask BBC Sounds to "play Radio 3 in Concert".