John Storgårds

Kalevi Aho – Concerto, Quintet & Contrapunctus

Concerto for Guitar and Chamber Orchestra
Quintet for Horn and String Quartet
Bach/Avo: Contrapunctus XIV

Ismo Eskelinen, guitar
Ilkka Puputti, horn
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS May 2024

Shostakovich/Pärt: Symphony No.13/De profundis

Arvo Pärt: De profundis
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No.13, Op.113 ”Babiy Yar”

Albert Dohmen, bass-baritone
Estonian National Male Choir
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

CHANDOS 5335 May 2024

Weinberg: Dawn/Symphony No. 12

Dawn, Op. 20
Symphony No. 12

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Chandos 20165 October 2023

Per Nørgård – Orchestral Works

Three Nocturnal Movements
Symphony No. 8
Lysning

Peter Herresthal, violin
Jakob Kullberg, cello
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-2505 September 2023

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 14

Six Verses of Marina Tsvetayeva, Op.143a
Symphony No.14

Elizabeth Atherton, soprano
Jess Dandy, contralto
Peter Rose, bass
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

CHANDOS 5310 July 2023

Sebastian Fagerlund – Terral

Sebastian Fagerlund: Terral
Sebastian Fagerlund: Strings to the Bone
Sebastian Fagerlund: Chamber Symphony

Tapiola Sinfonietta
John Storgårds, conductor
Sharon Bezaly, flute

BIS-2639, May 2023

Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos 12 & 15

Symphony No.12, Op.112 ”The Year 1917”
Symphony No.15, Op.141

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

CHANDOS 5334 March 2023

Per Nørgård: 8 Symphonies

Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 2
Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 4
Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 5
Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 6

Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Dacapo, July 2022

Nielsen & Sibelius – Violin Concertos

Carl Nielsen: Violin Concerto, Op.33
Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.47

Johan Dalene, violin
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-2620 March 2022

Hans Abrahamsen: Schnee

Hans Abrahamsen: Schnee

Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Dacapo Records February 2022

Remembering

Kaija Saariaho:  Cello Concerto ‘Notes on light’

Jakob Kullberg, cello
BBC Philharmonic
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-2602

Seppo Kantonen

Selja
song cycle to the poems of Sirkka Selja

Annimaria Rinne, voice
Seppo Kantonen, piano
Ville Herrala, bass
Ville Pynssi, drums
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ABACD 25

 

HK Gruber Percussion Concertos

into the open…

Colin Currie, percussion
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

CCR0004 March 2021

Outi Tarkiainen

The Earth, Spring’s Daughter
song cycle for mezzo-soprano and chamber orchestra
Saivo
concerto for soprano saxophone, effects and orchestra

Virpi Räisänen, soprano
Jukka Perko, soprano saxophone
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds

ODE 1353-2 August 2020

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11 “The Year 1905”

Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11 Op. 103 “The Year 1905”

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

CHANDOS 5278 March 2020

George Antheil vol. 3

Symphony No. 1 ‘Zingareska’ (1920-22, revised 1923)
Suite from ‘Capital of the World’ (1953-55)
McKonkey’s Ferry (1948)
Nocturne in Skyrockets (1951)
The Golden Bird (1921)

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

CHAN 20080

Mahler Symphony No. 10

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 10 (arranged for chamber orchestra by Michelle Castelletti)

Lapland Chamber Orchestra

John Storgårds, conductor

BIS 2376 SACD March 2019

George Antheil vol. 2

Archipelago (1936)
Symphony No. 3 ‘American’ (1936)
Hot-Time Dance (1948)
Symphony No. 6 ‘After Delacroix’ (1947-48)
Spectre of the Rose Waltz (1946)

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

CHAN 10982 January 2019

Höstsonaten

Sebastian Fagerlund: Höstsonaten

Anne Sofie von Otter
Helena Juntunen
Tommi Hakala
Erica Sunnegårdh
Nicholas Söderlund
Finnish National Opera Choir and Orchestra
dir. John Storgårds

BIS-2357 SACD September 2018

Lars Karlsson

Seven Songs
Clarinet Concerto

Gabriel Suovanen, baritone
Christoffer Sundqvist, clarinet
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-2286 SACD January 2018

 

Kalevi Aho

Concerto for Soprano Saxophone
Quintet for Winds and Piano
Solo I

Anders Paulsson, soprano saxophone
Jaakko Kuusisto, violin
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
cond. John Storgårds

BIS-2216 SACD October 2017

Brett Dean & Luca Francesconi

Brett Dean: Dramatis personae for trumpet and orchestra
Luca Francesconi: Hard Pace, Concerto for trumpet and orchestra

Gothenburg Symphony
Håkan Hardenberger, trumpet
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-2067 SACD May 2017

George Antheil

Over the Plains (1945)
Symphony No. 4 ‘1942’
Symphony No. 5 ‘Joyous’ (1947-48)

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

Chandos May 2017

Sørensen: Mignon

Bent Sørensen: Mignon – Papillons (2013-14) for piano and strings
Bent Sørensen: Serenissima (2014) for solo violin
Bent Sørensen: Sinful Songs (1997-98) for ensemble
Bent Sørensen: The Lady of Shalott (1987; 1992) version for solo violin
Bent Sørensen: Ständchen (2006) for 8 players
Bent Sørensen: The Weeping White Room (2002) for piano and ensemble

Katrine Gislinge, piano
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor & violin

Dacapo November 2016

Rasmussen: Symphony No. 2

Sunleif Rasmussen: Symphony No.2 ‘The Earth Anew’

Cyndia Sieden, soprano
Bo Skovhus, baritone
The Academic Male Voice Choir of Helsinki
Male Voice Choir Muntra Musikanter
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Dacapo May 2016

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Rubáiyát (2015), Song cycle for baritone and orchestra
Into the Heart of Light (CantoV) (2012), for string orchestra
Balada (2014), for tenor, mixed choir and orchestra
Four Songs from the Opera Rasputin (2012)

Gerald Finley, bass-baritone
Mika Pohjonen, tenor
Helsinki Music Centre Choir
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Ondine May 2016

Per Nørgård: Symphonies 2 & 6

Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 2
Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 6

Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Dacapo April 2016

Nominated in the “Contemporary” category for the International Classical Music Awards

Per Nørgård: Symphonies 4 & 5

Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 4
Per Nørgård: Symphony No. 5

Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Dacapo April 2016

Dvořák Suk

Antonin Dvořák: Violin concerto, Romance
Josef Suk: Fantasy

Christian Tetzlaff, violin
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

Ondine March 2016

Editor Choice of the Gramophone magazine (March 2016)
Nominated in the category of “Best Classical Instrument Solo” for Grammy 2017

Zemlinsky: Chamber Symphony

Alexander von Zemlinsky:
‘Seven Songs of Night and Dream’ (arr. Richard Dünser)
Chamber Symphony (based on String Quartet No. 2)

Jenny Carlstedt, mezzo-soprano
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1272-2
January 2016

Carl Nielsen

Complete Symphonies

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgårds, conductor

3 CD box CHAN 10859
May 2015

 

Manyworlds

Rolf Wallin:
Fisher King for Trumpet and Orchestra
Id
Manyworlds

Håkan Hardenberger, trumpet
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1267-2D
May 2015
The Blu-Ray Audio disc also includes a 2D & 3D Video by Boya Bøckman based on Wallin’s Manyworlds

Die Seejungfrau

Alexander von Zemlinsky:
Die Seejungfrau (new essay writing service critical version)
Sinfonietta op. 23 (arr. Roland Freisitzer)

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1237-5 (SACD)
March 2015

 

Christmas Carols

Soile Isokoski, soprano
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1252-2
October 2014

Soile Isokoski

Ernest Chausson
Poème de l’amour et de la mer
Hector Berlioz
Les nuits d’été
Henri Duparc
Le manoir de Rosemonde
l’Invilation au voyage
Chanson triste

Soile Isokoski, soprano
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1261-2
October 2014

Dmitri Shostakovich

Violin Concertos No. 1 & 2

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Christian Tetzlaff, violin
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1239-2
September 2014

Kalevi Aho

Concerto for Horn and Chamber Orchestra (2011)
Acht Jahreszeiten (Eight Seasons) (2011) Concerto for Theremin and Chamber Orchestra

Lapland Chamber Orchestra
Annu Salminen, horn
Carolina Eyck, theremin
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS 2036 (SACD)
August 2014

Concert Recording of the Year (20th/21st Century Music) by ECHO Klassik 2015

Jean Sibelius

Complete Symphonies
Three Late Fragments

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

3 CD box CHAN 10809(3)
April 2014

Gramophone Magazine Awards Short List 2015 (Orchestral category)

Leevi Madetoja

Symphony No. 1 in F Major Op. 29
Symphony No. 3 in A Major Op. 55
Okon Fuoko Suite Op. 58

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1211-2
January 2014

Sunleif Rasmussen: Motion/Emotion

Chamber Music

Lapland Chamber Orchestra Wind Quintet
Eldar Nagiev, violin
Taru Lehto-Kuikka, viola
Lauri Angervo, cello
Anna Laakso, piano
John Storgårds, conductor

Dacapo SACD 6.220643
September 2013

Robert Schumann

Violin Concerto in D Minor WoO 23
Phantasie  Op. 131
Violin Concerto after the Cello Concerto in A Minor Op. 129

Danish National Symphony Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor
Baiba Skride, violin

Orfeo C 854 131 A
2013

Leevi Madetoja

Symphony No. 2 Op. 35
Kullervo, Symphonic Poem Op.  15
Elegy Op. 4 No. 1

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

ODE 1212-2
January 2013

Erich Korngold

Erich Wolfgang Korngold:
Much Ado About Nothing, Op. 11
Sinfonietta, Op. 5

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

ODE 1191-2D
November 2012

Vagn Holmboe

Vagn Holmboe:
Chamber Symphonies

Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor
DACAPO Records
June 2012

Rautavaara

Einojuhani Rautavaara:
Cello Concerto No. 2 “Towards the Horizon”
Modificata
Percussion Concerto “Incantations”

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor
Colin Currie, percussion
Truls Mørk, cello
ODE 1178-2
February 2012

In memoriam Pehr Henrik Nordgren

Pehr Henrik Nordgren (1944-2008): Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and String Orchestra with Gong Op. 108 (2000)
Arvo Pärt: Fratres (1997/2007)
Áskell Másson: Quatrain (2005)
Kalevi Aho: In memoriam Pehr Henrik Nordgren (2009)

The Raschér Saxophone Quartet
John Storgårds, violin
Lapland Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ABCD 322
May 2011

Eero Hämeenniemi

Eero Hämeenniemi
Red Earth and Rain (2008)
The Bird and the Wind (1994)
Bombay Jayashri, voc solo
Pungkulam Subramaniam, mridangam
S. Karthick, ghatam
Laura Leisma, soprano

Avanti! Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ABCD 320
April 2011

Uuno Klami

Northern Lights
Cheremissian Fantasy
Kalevala Suite

Samuli Peltonen, cello
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1143-2
January 2010

Hafliði Hallgrímsson

Cello Concerto op. 30
Herma, op. 17 for cello and string orchestra

Truls Mørk, cello
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1133-2
May 2009

Manuel Ponce: Works for Guitar

soloist: Ismo Eskelinen, kitara

Chamber Orchestra of Lapland
John Storgårds, conductor

ABCD 185

Kimmo Hakola

Piano Concerto
Sinfonietta

Henri Sigfridsson, piano
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1127-2
January 2009

Valkoiset ruusut. Music from Finnish motion pictures

Johanna Rusanen-Kartano, soprano
Tommi Hakala, baritone
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds

ODE 1136-2
October 2008

Elämäni lauluja. A Finnish Songbook

Matti Salminen, bass
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1135-2
October 2008

Anders Koppel

Double Concertos

Christina Åstrand, violin
Benjamin Koppel, saxophone
Bjarke Mogensen, accordion
Rikke Sandberg, piano
Danish National Symphony Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

da capo 8.226055
May 2008

Kalevi Aho

Symphony No. 12 “Luosto”

Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra of Lapland
John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-SACD-1676
May 2008

Bernhard Henrik Crusell

Clarinet Concerto in B flat Major op. 11

Håkan Rosengren, clarinet
Sundvall Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

CAP 21592

Andrzej Panufnik

Heroic Overture
Sinfonia di Sfere
Landscape; Sinfonia Sacra

Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1101-5
August 2007

Selected as a “Contemporary Classical Disc of the Year”, Sunday Times, December 07
Selected as a “Disc of the Year”, Helsingin Sanomat, December 07

Sunleif Rasmussen

“String against String”

String Quartet No. 1 – Andante; String Quartet No. 2 “Sunshine and Shadows”;
Grave – In Memoriam Karsten Hoydal; Violin Concerto No. 1 “Songs of Seasons”; Echos of the Past

The Sjælland String Quartet
John Storgårds, violin
Ostrobothnian CHamber Orchestra
Juha Kangas

da capo 8.226044
October 2007

 

Peteris Vasks

Symphony No 3
Cello Concerto

Marko Ylönen, cello
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1086-5
September 2006

Mozart Jubileum – Sublime Mozart highlights performed by Ondine star artists

Elina Garanca, mezzo-soprano
Kari Kriikku, clarinet
Olli Mustonen, conductor
John Storgårds, conductor
Soile Isokoski, soprano

ODE 1078-2
February 2006

Johann Molter / Mozart

Clarinet Concertos
Kari Kriikku, clarinet in D and basset clarinet

Tapiola Sinfonietta
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1056-2
November 2005

Busoni Violin Concerto in D major Op 35a

Frank Peter Zimmermann, violin
Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI

Sony Classical BMG SK 94497
July 2005

Nominated for Midem Classical Award (orchestral category)
Winner of Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, (German Record Critics’ Award), Orchestral and Concerto category

Karin Rehnkvist

Arktis! Arktis!

Martin Fröst, clarinet
Swedish Chamber Orchestra

John Storgårds, conductor

BIS-CD-1396
June 2005

 

Ernst Mielck

Symphony in F Minor
Concert Piece for Violin and Orchestra

John Storgårds, violin
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo, conductor

ODE 10190
April 2004

John Corigliano

Symphony No. 2
The Mannheim Rocket
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1039-2
March 2004

Suomalainen rukous

Finnish Sacred Songs

Soile Isokoski, soprano
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1034-2
September 2003

Joseph Haydn

Seven Last Words

Tapiola Sinfonietta
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1023-2
2003

 

Peteris Vasks

Symphony No. 2, Violin Concerto ‘Tala gaisma’ (Distant Light)
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds, conductor and violin
Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra
Juha Kangas, conductor

ODE 10050
January 2003

Winner of Midem Classical Award 2004 (Disc of the year)
Winner of Midem Classical Award 2004 (Orchestral 20th Century Award)
Gramophone’s Editor’s choice
Classics Today’s Highest Rating

Ludwig van Beethoven

Dance

Tapiola Sinfonietta
John Storgårds, conductor

ODE 1001-2
October 2002

Live from the Kuhmo Festival – A Century of Finnish Chamber Music

John Storgårds, violin
Pietari Inkinen, violin
Soile Isokoski, soprano

ODE 984-2S/2
June 2002

 

Kaija Saariaho

Graal théâtre
Solar
Lichtbogen

John Storgårds, violin
Avanti! Chamber Orchestra
Hannu Lintu, conductor

ODE 997-2
May 2002

Jukka Perko: Kaanaanmaa

Jukka Perko, saxophone
Virtuosi di Kuhmo
John Storgårds, conductor

(Blue Note/EMI Classics)

Erkki Melartin: Violin Concerto

Sleeping Beauty Suite
Lyric Suite No 3

John Storgårds, violin
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

ODE 923-2
March 1999

Robert Schumann

Violin Concertos in D & A minor

John Storgårds, violin
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

ODE 879-2
September 1996

Pehr Henrik Nordgren

Violin Concerto No. 4, Cronaca

Wegelius Chamber Orchestra
John Storgårds, violin and conductor

ODE 873-2
June 1996

Astor Piazzolla’s Music

Chamber Orchestra of Lapland
John Storgårds, violin & conductor

LKO 1972

 

Discography

The Shostakovich cycle by the BBC Philharmonic under John Storgårds is proving to be remarkably consistent, both in terms of committed and exhilarating performances and the characteristically widespread Chandos surround sound… the readings by Storgårds have come to be regarded as definitive. This is probably the finest complete set of the Shostakovich symphonies now on the market.

Classical CD Choice, May 2024, Shostakovich Symphony No. 13 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

 

…As this dazzling recording by Storgårds and the BBC Philharmonic unequivocally proves, the riches of Soviet music, still so little appreciated in the West, extends far beyond Shostakovich.

Music Web International, September 2023, Weinberg: Dawn/Symphony No.12 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

 

Shostakovich’s 11th Symphony here receives a performance of exceptional eloquence from the Manchester-based BBC Philharmonic under their chief guest conductor, the Finn John Storgårds.

Daily Mail, May 2020, Shostakovich Symphony No. 11 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

 

John Storgards paces the drama with inexorable tread, inspiring the players to shattering climaxes in the massacre “scene” — the second movement — and the final “Tocsin”, in which real church bells ring out at the symphony’s “optimistic” denouement. The atmosphere of foreboding before the massacre, and numbed shock after the event, are evocatively caught.

Album of the week in The Sunday Times, Apr 2020, Shostakovich Symphony No. 11 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

 

As with the previous instalments in this ongoing retrospective, the performances are superb and vividly recorded. […] Enthusiastically recommended.

Gramophone Jan 2020, Antheil Vol. 3 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

 

Another wild, unruly, turbulent and brashly colourful Antheil collection – strangely addictive stuff.

MusicWeb International Dec 2019, Antheil Vol. 3 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

 

The orchestra for this version numbers just 24 players, but all the music is there, it is cleverly orchestrated, very well played, and conducted with love and sympathy.

Fanfare Magazine Nov/Dec 2019, Mahler Symphony No. 10 (realised Castelletti) (BIS)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra

 

This new chamber orchestra arrangement, (…) is an exceptional accomplishment, quite brilliantly executed by the phenomenal John Storgårds and his Lapland Chamber Orchestra.

The Whole Note, November 2019, Mahler Symphony No. 10 (realised Castelletti) (BIS)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra

 

John Storgårds gives a superb performance of the composer’s last testament

BBC Music Magazine July 2019, Mahler Symphony No. 10 (realised Castelletti) (BIS)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra

 

Sensational playing and impressive direction; this is a very special disc.

The Arts Desk June 2019, Mahler Symphony No. 10 (realised Castelletti) (BIS)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra

It is impossible to imagine more committed performances than those John Storgårds obtains from the BBC Philharmonic

Classical Source February 2019, Antheil Vol.2 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

The BBC Phil and Storgårds deliver it all with scintillating gusto.

The Times January 2019, Antheil Vol.2 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

All the more effective as John Storgårds marshals the orchestra with the depth, darkness and foreboding it needs, making the most of Fagerlund’s distinctive harmonic tension.

Gramophone November 2018, Fagerlund: Höstsonaten (BIS)
Finnish National Opera Chorus and Orchestra

Rather than placing these symphonies squarely in the mid-century mainstream, (…) John Storgårds revels in their idiosyncrasies, revealing a wealth of expressive detail I’d never heard before.

Gramophone June 2017, Antheil 2017 (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgårds’ pair of discs complete the cycle, with exemplary performances from the Oslo Philharmonic in crystalline recordings that fasten on every sonic detail in the scores.

The Guardian 15.06.2016, Nørgård CDs (Dacapo)
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra

First class, all the way.

ClassicsToday.com 27.03.2016, Dvorak/Suk CD (Ondine)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra/Christian Tetzlaff

It is eye-opening to hear the (Nielsens) symphonies performed by John Storgårds and the BBC Philharmonic for their sheer gorgeousness.

NewYorkArts.net 4.11.2015, Nielsen CD (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgårds gives some of the most perceptive performances of these great works that I have ever heard.

Classical Source July 2015, Nielsen CD (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

Both cycles are of such a unique quality that they not only outclass all other recording of the last centuries […] but that they are even reference recordings in the history of records. […] If we should not have understood Sibelius until now, Storgårds and his musicians give us a magic key to this dark shining, adventurous and mysterious world.

Crescendo 01.10.2014, Sibelius CD (Chandos)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

These are wonderful performances from John Storgårds and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra of music that is undeservedly neglected. The recording from the Helsinki Music Centre is excellent. Strongly recommended.

The Classical Reviewer 18.2.2013, Madetoja CD (Ondine)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgards and the Lapland Chamber Orchestra play with an attention to detail, precision of ensemble, and clarity of texture that can only be called perfect.

classictoday.com, August 2012, Vagn Holmboe CD (DACAPO)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra

An account of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto that blossoms into something special – a reading of simmering intensity, steadfast concentration and dashing technical security. […] As for the couplings, Storgårds secures as compelling a rendering of “The Bard” as I can ever recall […] He also has the measure of “The Wood Nymph”. […] This is a thoroughly recommendable release.

Gramophone, “Gramophone recommends”, January 2011, Sibelius CD (Ondine)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

An interpretation [of the Sibelius Violin Concerto] which can already be rated as one of the best and most beautiful recordings of this unparalleled work. John Storgårds can prove his reputation as first-class Sibelius conductor once more, by means of the tone poems „The Bard“ and „The Woodnymph“.

Pizzicato, January 2011, “Supersonic Award”, Sibelius CD (Ondine)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

Storgårds and the Helsinki Philharmonic turn in superb performances […]. Ondine’s sound is of demonstration class […] Thoroughly recommended.

Gramophone, June 2010, Uuno Klami CD (Ondine)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgårds […] penetrates deep into the heart of this music, which is influenced by the Second World War, and paints sound pictures of the greatest emotional power and transcendental beauty.

Pizzicato, April 2010, Uuno Klami CD (Ondine)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

stendi