In this video, the Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto talks about the motivation behind Willows, a new album pairing Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending with contemporary works from multiple genres.
On 24th February, Kuusisto also brings Willows to the stage, featuring a re-imagining of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending to reveal the quiet radicalism within this work. The evening unfolds as a meditation on memory and resilience – Ellen Reid’s Desiderium for solo violin, inspired by family and dedicated to Pekka Kuusisto’s late brother Jaakko, offers an intimate reflection on love and loss. This is complimented by Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation, and Sam joins the ensemble with songs arranged by Nico Muhly.
Violinist, conductor, and composer Pekka Kuusisto is internationally recognised for his innovative approach to classical music. He redefines the classical label by blending traditional repertoire with folk, jazz and electronic music, engaging directly with the audiences at his concerts and frequently breaking into improvisation. He is also known for devising groundbreaking projects that shed new light on well-established works.
Sam Amidon is a singer and multi-instrumentalist (banjo, guitar, fiddle) originally from Vermont, now based in London. Amidon’s material often consists of adventurous reworkings of traditional ballads, hymns and work songs.