With this fourth volume, Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen completes his cycle of Sibelius’s numbered symphonies, of which the Symphonies Nos 1 and 3 (8572305) were acclaimed as ‘warm and poignant’ (Classical Music Sentinel), Symphonies Nos 4 and 5 (8572227) as having ‘raw intensity’ (Guardian) and Symphony No.2 (8572704) as ‘entrancing … highly recommended’ (Allmusic.com).

The tranquil and sunny poetry of Symphony No.6 joins the majestic single-movement Symphony No.7, coupled with Finlandia, the work which established Sibelius’s fame and became a symbol of Finnish freedom.

Pietari Inkinen, now working internationally at the highest level, was appointed Music Director of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 2008. He has won unanimous praise from audiences and critics both for his performances on tour in New Zealand and for his recordings with the orchestra on Naxos.