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On March 31st, The Cleveland Orchestra, led by guest conductor Thomas Adès, performed striking compositions inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest at Severance Music Center. The program featured a symphony by Adès and a selection from Sibelius' incidental music for the play, both exploring atmospheric disturbances.

Adès' symphony, extracted from his opera, depicted Shakespeare's magical world through powerful orchestral movements, showcasing the ensemble's skill in representing storms and characters. Sibelius' work, originally commissioned for a Copenhagen production, was also performed with captivating effect.

The concert included Adès' Märchentänze (Fairy Tales) for orchestra, featuring solo violinist Pekka Kuusisto, and concluded with Sibelius' Prelude and Suite No. 1 from The Tempest, while Six Humoresques for solo violin and strings was omitted from the program due to time constraints.

The performances were notable for their first-time presentations in Cleveland and the composers' theatrical interpretations, with Adès demonstrating his conductorial eloquence through unique hand gestures.