The 2008 concert featuring violinist Valery Sokolov performing Sibelius' Violin Concerto was unusual due to the intense emotional depth and unique interpretation by Sokolov. Known for his expressive playing, Sokolov infused the concerto with lyrical beauty and a powerful intensity that set his performance apart. His interpretation was marked by a deep understanding of Sibelius’ intricate harmonies and evocative phrasing, capturing the Nordic melancholy and the concerto’s emotional extremes.