Guest Performance: Lahti Symphony Orchestra

Though born in St Petersburg, Ernest Pingoud became part of the young Finnish modernist front, but his music drew on highly cosmopolitan sources. Jean Sibelius, by contrast, coloured his third symphony with motifs reminiscent of folk music. Jessie Mongomery’s Banner updates the US national anthem to contemporary multicultural democracy. Kalevi Aho’s own violinist background is reflected in his resplendent second violin concerto.