National Symphony Orchestra: Memory and Myth: Music by Sibelius and an NSO premiere

David Robertson, conductor
Sibelius: The Swan of Tuonela
S. Mackey: Mnemosyne's Pool (NSO co-commission) **
Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

In a symphonic exploration of legend and lore, visionary maestro David Robertson conducts Mnemosyne's Pool, an NSO co-commission from Grammy Award®–winning composer Steven Mackey. Drawing inspiration from the Greek goddess of memory, Mackey’s work tells the story of souls who dared drink from the river Mnemosyne in Hades, thereby bestowing eternal life in the Elysian Fields. Sibelius weaves Finnish mythology into music in The Swan of Tuonela, a tone poem depicting the hero’s quest to kill a mystical swan swimming through the Finnish realm of the dead.

ForeWords
Beginning at 7 p.m. before the May 16 performance
Before your concert, join us in the Justice Forum at the REACH for fascinating stories behind the music led by WETA’s Rich Kleinfeldt! Each ForeWords lasts 30 minutes and is free and open to the public. Look for even more of these offerings throughout the season.

AfterWords
Immediately following the May 14 performance
Stay after the performance for an insightful discussion with the some of the exciting guest artists and NSO musicians featured on the night’s program, moderated by NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon. You may even have an opportunity to ask a question! Look for even more of these offerings throughout the season; each AfterWords is free with your concert ticket.