March 31-April 6, 2005

musicpicks

Kirov Orchestra

classical

When the St. Petersburg Philharmonic blew into town in October, they demonstrated that nationalistic styles still exist, producing a uniquely Slavic manner of intonation and ensemble. On Sunday, what could be an even more distinctively Russian band will play, the fabulously brash and passionate Kirov Orchestra under the baton of the brilliant, electric conductor Valery Gergiev. Ever notice that Russian ice skaters and ballet dancers perform at an emotional pitch that stands apart from the competition? The Kirov Orchestra represents the musical counterpoint. Their program is nearly all Russian, including works of Mussorgsky, Prokofiev and Borodin. The exception comes from across the chilly northern Baltic waters, the grand Violin Concerto of Finnish master Sibelius.

Sun., April 3, 2 p.m., $39-$113, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.

—Peter Burwasser