Sibelius’s Fifth and a Blue Cathedral

Welcome to **“Sibelius’s Fifth and a Blue Cathedral,”** a cinematic journey that blends the soaring heights of Romantic grandeur with the luminous colors of contemporary composition. Join the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under the spirited baton of Chief Conductor Ryan Bancroft as it opens the anniversary season with a lavish orchestral program that promises both time‑tested treasures and daring premieres. The film opens with an electrifying rendition of Eric Wolfgang Korngold’s sparkling Violin Concerto, spotlighting the internationally acclaimed Vilde Frang. As Frang’s violin sings the hall with cinematic flair, the orchestra brings Korngold’s legacy of Hollywood elegance to life, evoking the dramatic themes of “Another Dawn,” “Anthony Adverse,” and “The Prince and the Pauper.” Next, the spellbinding world premiere of Djuro Zivkovic’s **Fanfare**—a commissioned masterpiece—acts as the adventurous gateway into this season’s new horizons. The program then unfolds with Anders Hillborg’s ethereal “…lontana in sonno…” and Jennifer Higdon’s evocative “Blue Cathedral,” each piece offering a distinct spiritual palette that enriches the evening’s narrative. The centerpiece is undeniably Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5. As the orchestra channels the composer’s fervent “wonderful theme,” the music swells with the grandeur of the final movement—a moving homage that reflects Sibelius’s own diaries of wonder and beauty. With a star‑studded roster—Ryan Bancroft, Vilde Frang, and Matilda Sterby—and an unbridled commitment to artistic excellence, this concert film is a must‑watch tribute to the past, present, and future of symphonic music. Enjoy the full experience on “What’s After the Movie” and discover the extraordinary world where Romantic splendor meets contemporary innovation.