This new release is the second in a four-release set from Alba which will feature all four of Johannes Brahms’ symphonies and four symphonies chosen from Leif Segerstam’s more than 300 symphonies. For this release, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 and Segerstam’s Symphony No. 289 have been chosen. Brahms wrote his Symphony No. 2 in D major during a visit to Portschach am Worthersee in the summer of 1877. The work is cheery and pastoral, and has drawn comparisons to Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony. Leif Segerstam wrote his 289th Symphony, affectionately subtitled “When a Cat Visited,” in 2015. Founded in 1790 under the name Turun Soitannollinen Seura (Musical Society of Turku), the Turka Philharmonic is the oldest orchestra in Finland. Since 2012 they have been led by Leif Segerstam as principal conductor. The ensemble has an extensive recording history, and they stream monthly videos of selected concerts on their website.