The 2012 WSO New Music Festival featured works by composer Kaija Saariaho.
Born in Finland, with studies in Helsinki, followed by time at Ircam, she is now considered one of the world's leading composers. The opening gala included two of her celebrated works: "Du Cristal" and "Graal Theatre". She wrote "Du Cristal" in 1989 and dedicated it to her son Alex and Esa-Pekka Salonen. "Graal Theatre" dates to 1994 when it was dedicated to Gidon Kremer. It takes its inspiration from "Graal théâtre (Grail theatre) by Jacques Roubaud. The title reflects the tension between a composer's efforts and the performer's efforts.
Jennifer Koh is the featured violinist.
production credits
Sandra Thacker Producer
David Jaeger Producer
Joe Dudych Recording Engineer
Bryan Harder Recording Engineer