Symphony’s Sibelius concerts will let violin speak of winter

Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor is one of the great narrative works for solo instrument – said to be one of the most recorded in the 20th century. The violin speaks early and declaratively, almost like a travel guide on a Scandinavian whirlwind.

During my preparation for the Bangor Symphony concerts at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at the Maine Center for the Arts, I began to hear the first three notes as words. “Here I am,” the instrument seems to say. And for the next 30 or so minutes, the violin steps forward with variations on this theme.

Sometimes the music is simply about the violin. Yet in the third and final movement, the violin skips so lightly through high notes, it nearly takes on the characteristics of a piccolo. Other times it seems to be symbolically expressing Sibelius’ own angst or his fierce Finnish nationalism or his love of folk rhythms or the dramatic landscapes of his upbringing. This concerto is an example of wintry nature coming to life, an important theme to the composer.

Guest artist Chen Xi, who was not available for an interview, is 22 – a little over half the age Sibelius was when the concerto reached the stage in 1904. It is likely Xi’s youth will bring a steaming virtuosity to the piece. I won’t be watching for the showmanship as much as for the depth the violinist accomplishes in the molten passages.

And if the excitement of Sibelius’ violin display is not enough to get you in the door this weekend, consider Beethoven, Brahms and beer. The BSO is opening its final rehearsal to audiences Saturday night for an annual informal program “A Taste of the Symphony.”

The evening event is a relaxed, close-up view of the rehearsal process, in this case for the Sibelius, Beethoven’s Konig Stephan Overture, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F major. The BSO is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed reception afterward. Beer and corned beef are the highlights of the many hors d’oeuvres on the menu, and during post-rehearsal festivities, BSO violinist Amanda Cushman and violist Laura Gallucci will play Celtic music.

The Saturday concert is a friendly setting for introducing the kids (age 17 and under are free with a paying adult) to classical music. And everyone is allowed to dress casually or in a favorite party outfit. Green is likely to be the wardrobe color of choice. Musicians will also be in more relaxed clothing on Saturday, but back in their concert blacks for Sunday.

I’ll be there, too, for the “Taste” concert chatting onstage at intermission with Maestro Xiao-Lu Li. Chen Xi will also be on hand. So if there’s a burgeoning musician in the family or neighborhood, this is a good opportunity to provide an artist role model for the younger crowd. Li is a violinist by training and is likely to have his own insights about the Sibelius. But watching either the rehearsal or the actual performance – and you could attend both – will allow concertgoers to find out what they hear when the baton rises.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra will present “A Taste of the Symphony,” a rehearsal and reception, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17, as well as its classical series concert 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at the Maine Center for the Arts. Tickets for Saturday are $19 and $30, and include the reception. Tickets for Sunday are $7-$40. For information and reservations, call 942-5555 or visit www.bangorsymphony.com.