The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents two classical giants, Sibelius and Lutosławki, paired with virtuosic artistry on Thursday and Saturday, February 26 and 28 at Symphony Hall. Preceding the performances, the free Strings of Persia festival features cellist Kian Soltani. Ticketholders can celebrate Persian culture with food, music and dance.

British conductor Nicholas Collon, Chief Conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony, leads the orchestra in Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony. Written during a contemplative time in the composer’s life, the Fifth reflects Sibelius’s love of the natural world and Finnish folklore. Collon pairs this with Finnish composer Outi Tarkiainen’s nature-inspired symphonic poem, The Ring of Fire and Love.

Joining the orchestra for Lutosławki's virtuosic Cello Concerto is virtuoso Kian Soltani, who has been described by The Washington Post as performing with “dazzling intonation and clarity of sound.” Soltani’s appearance with the ASO is presented with generous support from Farideh and Al Azadi.

His performance also inspires the pre-concert Strings of Persia festival, which will transform the Azadi Galleria into a vibrant showcase of Persian culture, featuring food and pastries, textiles, jewelry, art, and more. Learn more about the Strings of Persia festival.