First Persson

Swedish soprano Miah Persson, on her first solo disc with orchestra, has collected a number of Mozartian gems (including Exsultate, jubilate – actually composed for Venanzio Rauzzini, the star castrato of the Teatro Regio Ducale in Milan.) Purity, sweetness and impeccable grace are words that have been used by reviewers to describe Miah Persson’s voice, and with such qualities it is no wonder that her reputation as a Mozart singer is growing.

The second of DG’s series of seven Mozart operas conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and initiated by Rolando Villazón. This Così fan tutte enchanted the Baden-Baden Festspielhaus audience when recorded in concert in 2012, with Nézet-Séguin inspiring his stellar cast to feats of vocal derring-do.

A few years ago, Norrbotten Big Band began a project with composers in residence. This means that one composer works closely with the band during one year, and composes new music for them. First out to get this assignment was Cecilia Persson, twofold recipient of Swedish public radios award Jazzkatten, in the composers category. When Cecilias music was presented on the record Open Rein (2014), it gained recognition precisely for Cecilias ability to put a composition and ensemble in focus: Swedish newspaper Kristianstadsbladet called it a historical breakthrough.

Following the success of Die Schöpfung (The Creation), which had swiftly gained popularity throughout Europe, Haydn’s librettist Baron Gottfried van Swieten suggested another project, based on James Thomson’s pastoral epic, The Seasons. One of Haydn’s last major works, Die Jahreszeiten depicts the yearly cycle of life in the countryside through the eyes of three peasants, providing us with music of thrilling vitality and creativity.

Swedish soprano Hanna Husáhr studied at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and continued as a trainee at the Finnish National Opera. With repertoire ranging from Händel and Mozart to Donizetti’s Lucia and Adams’ Pat Nixon she has sung with opera companies and orchestras throughout the world.