Philzuid

After his monumental Seventh and Eighth symphonies, Shostakovich’s Ninth in 1945 was supposed ot h the triumphant conclusion of his three ‘war symphonies’. A paean to victory and Soviet heroism. However, at the premiere, a much shorter, satirical work was heard. Stalin reacted with dismay. From the bold gallop with a touch of slapstick ot he ink-black melancholy in the poignant bassoon solos, the Ninth is typical Shostakovich.

Concert master Lei Wang solos in Barber’s Violin Concerto – yes, the one with the famous Adagio for Strings! “This American Violin Concerto is one of the most popular and frequently performed violin concertos of the twentieth century. It has beautiful, profound melodies and a virtuosic finale,” Lei says. “And I am looking forward to collaborating again with the American maestro Andrew Litton; his concerts last season were fantastic!”