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Letters to Sibelius

Gavin Reid, director of the ±«Óătv SSO introduces a delightful series of documentaries produced for Radio NZ about one man's appreciation of the Finnish composer Sibelius.

The Letters to Sibelius are a very personal tribute to the Finnish composer, written by a Scots-born emigrant to New Zealand, Marshall Walker. He’s a retired Professor of English, formerly of the University of Waikato who lives in Hamilton on New Zealand’s north island. But as a boy growing up in Glasgow, Marshall fell in love with the music of Sibelius and his interest was fuelled by the early endeavours of the ±«Óătv Scottish Symphony Orchestra and its founder Ian Whyte who had a particular skill for conducting the music of the Finnish master. Alongside the letters are some recordings of the ±«Óătv Scottish Symphony Orchestra performing works by Sibelius and a documentary produced for ±«Óătv Radio 3 about Ian Whyte.

5 hours, 30 minutes

Last on

Fri 10 Sep 2010 00:30
±«Óătv Radio Scotland Extra

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Chapters

  • A Letter to Sibelius

    Presenter Marshall Walker made a pilgrimage to Finland to visit the places of significance to Sibelius: his birthplace in Hämeenlinna, Ainola his home and the Sibelius Monument in Helsinki.

    Duration: 46:43

  • The Fog and the Island

    Walker tells of his early encounters with the music of Sibelius and how it helped him confront and overcome the ordeals of his childhood – poor eyesight and bullying – in wartime Glasgow.

    Duration: 01:01:21

  • Valse Triste

    Walker’s mother informs him that Sibelius’ music was also important in her own family. We hear stories about Walker’s grandfather and uncle, both of whom he never met.

    Duration: 01:09:01

  • Doctor Big Man

    Walker leaves post-war Glasgow and emigrates to South Africa, becoming involved in the anti-Apartheid movement. He contracts deadly encephalitis but Sibelius aids his road to recovery.

    Duration: 01:08:51

  • North and South

    Walker relates his encounters with his boyhood hero, conductor, Ian Whyte, founder of the ±«Óătv Scottish Symphony Orchestra and eventually finds a new home in New Zealand.

    Duration: 51:22

  • The Forgotten Founder

    Kirsteen McCue profiles the life and work of Ian Whyte, the neglected composer, conductor and founder of the ±«Óătv Scottish Symphony Orhcestra.

    Duration: 29:26

Broadcasts

  • Fri 3 Sep 2010 00:30
    ±«Óătv Radio Scotland Extra
  • Fri 10 Sep 2010 00:30
    ±«Óătv Radio Scotland Extra