Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871–1927) was a central figure in Swedish music life as a composer, pianist and conductor. The inspiration for his Serenade in F-Major came to him during a stay in Florence in 1906. He wanted to write “a dithyramb to spring” – a dithyramb is an ancient Greek hymn – “the sort of beautiful poetry about the south which only a northener can produce”. The serenade was finished in 1919 and is one of Stenhammar’s most popular orchestra works.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) embarked on sketches for what was to become his fifth symphony in 1804, and developed it concurrently with several other works. It was performed for the first time as part of a colossal concert featuring new works by the composer in 1808. Shortly afterwards, the symphony was proclaimed a milestone in musical history, and has since gained a standing as one of the most important works in orchestra music, with the world’s most recognisable opening bars.

Herbert Blomstedt (b. 1927) is a towering figure in Scandinavian music life. He was Chief Conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic from 1962–1968, and was loved and respected for his work during these years. Over the last few seasons, Blomstedt has been one of the orchestra’s favourite guests, and his concerts are always memorable occasions for musicians and audiences alike.

(Translation from Norwegian: Sarah Osa)