Future releases: Second Harnoncourt box-set and Sibelius on video with Paavo Berglund

We are thrilled to let you know that we have started working on a second COE/Harnoncourt box-set, to be released next year and which will feature symphonic repertoire recorded live over the years at the Styriarte Festival in Graz, with the exception of one symphony which was recorded at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. More information about the repertoire on this box-set will be communicated early in the new year.

We are also hoping to release a DVD set of our Sibelius Symphonies with Paavo Berglund recorded by Finnish TV at the Helsinki Festival in 1998. Indeed, during the 1990’s, a major influence entered the COE’s life in the form of Paavo Berglund with whom numerous concerts had been given in earlier years, and for whom the Orchestra developed a special affection. Paavo, with his Finnish background, introduced the Orchestra to Sibelius and was sufficiently inspired by his collaboration with the COE to undertake a Sibelius symphony cycle which was played at the Helsinki and Edinburgh International Festivals. The cycle was recorded and released on the Finlandia label, and again won several international prizes. Apart from the great success the Orchestra had with the Sibelius symphonies with Paavo, they also explored the symphonies of Dvorak and Brahms together, resulting in a Brahms symphony cycle performed throughout Europe in the late 1990’s which was then recorded and released on the Ondine label in 2001. Being able to release videos of our Sibelius cycle in Helsinki would be an incredible way to celebrate our friendship with Paavo and to pay tribute to one of our strongest artistic partners.