Aulis Sallinen and Einojuhani Rautavaara are two of Finland’s senior composers, whose music is highly colourful and full of character. Ralf Gothóni’s version of Sallinen’s Barabbas Variations substitutes the original accordion solo part for piano, and is heard in the UK for the first time at this concert. The concert begins with a  Sibelius rarity, and ends with a Beethoven quartet in an orchestral version by Sibelius’ contemporary, Gustav Mahler.