Commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Notes on Light is a concerto by Kaija Saariaho written for cellist Anssi Karttunen, one of the many champions of the composer’s music. In five movements, the work explores the intensely varied personality of Saariaho’s music, providing a great platform for virtuosity in this composer/performer partnership. Notes on Light will be premiered on February 22 at Symphony Hall, Boston by the commissioners, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste with soloist Anssi Karttunen. In June, Saariaho ventures further into the world of string writing with a new work commissioned by Carnegie Hall for the acclaimed Emerson Quartet. Look out for new works for soprano Karita Mattila and Anssi Karttunen as well as a set of songs for Finnish soprano Anu Komsi.
