LA Phil commissions a choreography from Tero Saarinen

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has commissioned a creation from Finnish choreographer Tero Saarinen. Saarinen’s take on Bernd Zimmermann’s Cello Concerto en forme de pas de trois (1966) will premiere at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall on January 19, 2018. The dance infused rendition will also mark the US premiere of Zimmermann’s composition. Principal Guest Conductor of the LA Phil, Susanna Mälkki, will direct the orchestra in the three scheduled performances.

Tero Saarinen’s first collaboration with the LA Phil will fill their 2265-seat concert hall with dance, live music and all-encompassing visuals. Saarinen’s creative team includes Tero Saarinen Company dancers Auri Ahola, Misa Lommi and David Scarantino as well as long-time collaborators, Bessie-award winning lighting designer Mikki Kunttu,costume designer Erika Turunen and Choreographer’s Assistant Sini Länsivuori. LA Phil is conducted by Susanna Mälkki. The soloists of the cello concerto are Ben Hong, Eric Byers and Timothy Loo. Soloist dancers are Auri Ahola, Misa Lommi and David Scarantino.

Tero Saarinen is known for his insightful fusions of classical music and contemporary dance. His most renowned creations include reimaginings of Stravinsky’s classics: Petrushka (2001), HUNT (The Rite of Spring, 2002) and Mariage (Les Noces, 2007). Saarinen’s recent works have also received high praise from audiences and critics alike: Morphed (2014), set to the music of Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Kullervo (2015), Tero Saarinen Company’s collaboration with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet featuring music by Jean Sibelius.

Tero Saarinen Company was founded by Finnish choreographer-dancer Tero Saarinen in 1996. It has toured in 40 countries, at prestigious venues such as BAM Howard Gilman Opera House in New York and Chaillot in Paris.

This year the Company is to appear at venues including the Royal Festival Hall | Southbank Centre in London. Highlights also include performances of Saarinen’s works at The Korean National Theater in Seoul and at The Finnish National Opera.