On September 21st 2007, the ZSO is performing Karelia suite, which happens to be "my first" Karelia suite, so I'm quite excited.

Just wondering what other pieces you all have encountered along with Karelia suite on concert programmes...

Mine is thus:

Jan Hora (contemporary) - Pláň (Steppes)
Sibelius - Karelia suite
Intermission
Tchaikovsky - Piano concerto No. 1

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In the past, I have only seen Karelia live once, and it was paired with Holst Planets and Hovanness Mysterious Mountain...

On the subject of the Karelia Suite, might I be allowed to digress a moment and relate a curious experience that ocurred during my recent visit to Greece.
My wife and I were on a coach trip to the Paleokastritsa area of Corfu, on route to visit a 15th century Byzantine Monastery. I was engrossed in the lovely scenery, to background music of a 'Zorba the Greek' variety. Suddenly my ears pricked up, as the start of a tune reminded me of the opening of Karelia. Now oblivious of my surroundings my thoughts went back to 1997 when returning by coach from St Petersburg, we crossed over the Finnish border to the strains of the Karelia Suite, this was a great thrill and I thought no chance of that particular music now.
Back to my Corfu journey I glanced through the window and was quite taken aback as I immediately saw a large hoarding with the word 'KARELIA' emblazoned on it! It was a remarkable moment.
Back home I did a little research and soon found out that Karelia is Greece's largest cigarette manufacturer established in 1888.
It was still a spooky experience though.--kullervopete.

I once heard the Pacific Symphony (based in Orange County, CA) do a program that opened with the Karelia Suite. Barber;s VIOLIN CONCERTO was in the middle and ended with Mussorgsky/Ravel PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION.

Good performance of all pieces, if I remember correctly!