Scandinavian Sounds
Journey to the rugged, atmospheric landscapes of the North with Scandinavian Sounds, a program featuring the virtuosic talents of the festival’s own stars: Principal Trumpet Mark Hughes and English Hornist Leanna Renfro. This all-Nordic program brings together four voices from the Scandinavian tradition, each unmistakably itself, all unforgettable.
While the Peninsula Music Festival attracts global guests, some of the most electrifying performances of the season come from within our own ranks. Mark Hughes, the festival’s highly talented Principal Trumpet, steps out from the ensemble to take center stage in a concerto that showcases the brilliance and agility of his instrument. He is joined in the spotlight by Leanna Renfro, whose hauntingly beautiful English horn playing brings one of the most famous myths in music to life. Seeing these leaders of the orchestra perform as soloists offers an intimate look at the world-class caliber of the PMF musicians you see on stage every night.
Program
Svendsen | Norwegian Artists’ Carnival: We begin with a burst of energy. This festive, folk-inspired work captures the joy of a traditional Norwegian celebration—vibrant, rhythmic, and full of life.
Sibelius | The Swan of Tuonela: One of the most atmospheric pieces ever written. Leanna Renfro’s English horn provides the “voice” of the mystical swan gliding through the underworld.
Lars-Erik Larsson | Trumpet Concertino: A hidden gem of the repertoire. This piece allows Mark Hughes to show off the trumpet’s versatility, moving from lyrical melodies to technical fireworks.
Nielsen | Symphony No. 2 (The Four Temperaments): The evening concludes with a musical “personality test.” Inspired by a painting the composer saw in a village inn, each movement represents a different human temperament: The Choleric (angry), The Phlegmatic (lazy), The Melancholic (sad), and The Sanguine (happy). It’s a fun, dramatic, and incredibly relatable masterpiece.
From the haunting “Swan” to the high-energy “Carnival,” this program is a sensory experience designed for a midsummer night. It’s the kind of performance that people keep in their memories long after the concert ends.