Sinfonia Tamesa

Sibelius Finlandia
Beethoven Violin Concerto
Dvorak Symphony No 8

Irina Pakkanen violin
Jason Lai conductor
Michelle Wright leader

Sibelius' Finlandia launched the composer on to the international circuit and furthermore has grown to become identified with the Finnish national spirit almost as a second national anthem. This is set alongside Dvorak's Symphony No 8, a composer equally nationalistic in style. Dvorak said of his eighth symphony that he wanted "to write a work different from my other symphonies, with individual ideas worked out in a new manner." G Major was not a key that the major composers had used since Haydn, perhaps because it was considered a key that was more appropriate for folk music and song. Dvorak's intent was of course to write a symphony of folk music and song, so for him G Major was the perfect choice.

Sinfonia Tamesa is delighted to welcome up and coming violinist Irina Pakkanen to perform Beethoven's sumptuous Violin Concerto. A fellow of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Irina Pakkanen has won the Guildhall School's Birdie Warshaw Prize for unaccompanied violin, the Sheriff's prize for violin and the Wolfson Foundation Instrument Award. Irina has already established herself on the international circuit, having toured extensively and taken part in numerous international festivals across Western Europe.

Sinfonia Tamesa is a lively non-professional orchestra rehearsing at venues near to London's Thames - our principal values highlight an experience that is life enhancing, fulfilling, fun and with a sense of being together. The majority of members grew up playing in orchestras at school, university or beyond, and now whatever their situation could not imagine not being a part of this orchestral collaboration with like-minded people making excellent music: it is an integral part of their working life in London.

Many members of Sinfonia Tamesa are ex-music graduates who are now pursuing careers in the arts, although the orchestra welcomes players from a wide range of occupations and backgrounds. Current players work for a diverse range of organisations including: BBC Online, Classic FM, Dvora Lewis Public Relations, London Symphony Orchestra, National Gallery, Purcell Room, Royal Albert Hall, Royal College of Music, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Opera House, Sonic Arts Network, Trinity College of Music and Youth Music.

The Orchestra performs up to four concerts per year and focuses primarily on the performance of major works in the symphonic repertoire, though always offering a dynamic edge by promoting new talent and providing a platform for up-and-coming young soloists and composers.