Ticciati and the LPO deliver epic Sibelius with a lively Wennäkoski opener

Robin Ticciati
© Benjamin Ealavoga

Robin Ticciati (conductor)

Miina-Liisa Värelä (soprano)

Shenyang (bass-baritone)

YL Male Voice Choir

London Philharmonic Orchestra

7.30pm, Wednesday 25 March 2026

Royal Festival Hall, London

★★★★

Wennäkoski, Lotta (b.1970): Zelo (world premiere)

Sibelius, Jean (1865-1957): Kullervo

Wennäkoski:

Lotta Wennäkoski, Robin Ticciati & the LPO
© Nick Boston

'Ticciati steered the LPO with energy and panache, with tight ensemble from the strings, deft woodwinds and brass warmth'.

Sibelius:

'Ticciati and the LPO were on fine form'.

'Shenyang’s rich and powerful voice delivered Kullervo’s lines with authority, whilst Värelä’s full-bodied tone gave suitable weight to the sister, and she delivered her more detailed and often rapid text with clarity'.

Shenyang, Miina-Liisa Värelä,
the YL Male Voice Choir & the LPO
© Nick Boston

'(The YL Male Voice Choir) produced a beautifully blended sound, and their pianissimo singing was impressive'. 

'Ticciati was at his most expressive for the big finish finale ... bringing a strong performance of Sibelius’ dramatic proto-symphony to an end'.

Read my full review on Bachtrack here.

Shenyang, Miina-Liisa Värelä, Robin Ticciati,
the YL Male Voice Choir & the LPO
© Nick Boston