Royal Swedish Army Band and The Thieving Magpie

The Royal Swedish Army Band is a popular, regular guest at Konserthuset Stockholm. This time, they are presenting an exciting bird-themed concert!

Composer Olivier Messiaen dedicated his entire life to birdsong – which was clear in his music. His Oiseaux Exotiques – Exotic Birds – is based on the sounds of 18 different bird species. Johan Ullén performs the extremely demanding solo piano part. When Britta Byström composed the Parting with the Wild Geese, she had just read “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils”. Through the music, she portrays the V-formation of the seven geese and their habit of swapping places with one another, so that everyone can catch up between rounds.

Rossini’s opera The Thieving Magpie combines effervescent comedy and musical melodrama. The best-known piece from the opera is the overture, which is both majestic and filled with delightfully captivating melodies. This bird-themed concert is rounded out with Zoltan Kodaly’s Peacock Variations.

The Royal Swedish Army Band in Stockholm is Sweden’s biggest marching band and has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally. The ensemble has 53 full-time musicians and is tasked with providing state ceremonial music. This includes the changing of the guard at Stockholm’s Royal Palace, state visits, audiences and royal ceremonies for the courts and government.