Perhaps Sibelius’s finest contemporary. This Symphony and Elegy commemorate Finland’s civil war and his brother’s death, while Kullervo portrays Finland’s mythical antihero. It’s vividly performed. © 2013 BBC Music Magazine

John Storgards’s big, powerful reading does a fine job of catching the ominous leadup to war and the war itself, as well as the romanticism and landscape painting that are built into this score. He uses a fair amount of rubato and exerts a strong pull on lines and textures without interfering with the flow. Textures are well blended, and save for the long oboe and horn solos in the second half of I, he sees this as a big orchestra piece that offers varying layers and colors to achieve a whole. Brass are firm and woodwinds have a fitting round sound. He and the excellent Helsinki Philharmonic supply plenty of weight to leave no doubt this is a war symphony and do so without being heavy. The performances also shifts gears nicely between the work’s various moods. © 2013 American Record Guide Read complete review on American Record Guide

The Helsinki Orchestra gives a fine performance under its chief conductor John Storgårds…It is an expertly fashioned symphony well worth the 41 minutes of listening time. © Limelight Magazine