Composing has always been an integral part of the artistic journey of pianist-conductor Olli Mustonen (b. 1967), who initially emerged as a symphonist in the early 2010s. This album, conducted by Olli Mustonen and performed by the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, contains two of his latest symphonies, both dramatic works firmly rooted in and continuing the tradition of the great classical composers. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, the theme of Mustonen’s Second Symphony, ‘Johannes Angelos’ (2013), delves into the ancient city of Constantinople and its mysticism. Mustonen’s Third Symphony, ‘Taivaanvalot’ (Heavenly Lights) (2020), is based on a section in the Finnish national epic Kalevala and inspired by the cosmic and shamanistic elements in Finnish mythology. The solo part in this recording is performed by the internationally acclaimed tenor Ian Bostridge.