The Lapland Chamber Orchestra, John Stogårds, conductor performed (Finland premiere) “The Suite of Five Seasons” on May 16, 2012 in Rovaniemi, Finland.  Inspired by the 2008 Beijing Olympics this woodwind quintet explores the dreams and aspirations of athletes who came to work and play together from all over the world. Musical influences from the five continents are heard throughout the work and reflect the spirit of the participants and their homelands.  The five Olympic mascots: happiness, prosperity, good fortune, passion, and vitality, represent elements of traditional Chinese philosophy and provide distinct temperaments for each movement. “The Suite of Five Seasons” was commissioned by the Equinox Chamber Players; world premiere March 22, 2009 in St. Louis, MO as part of ECP’s Olympic Harmony! project