| St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra | |
| Yuri Temirkanov | Direction |
| Martha Argerich | Piano |
Tickets £55 - 15.
Eighty years after they performed its premiere, the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra plays Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony.
Known for its definitive performances of Russian repertoire, the orchestra presents an evening of national masterworks. Founded in 1882, the St Petersburg Philharmonic premiered the first five Shostakovich symphonies, and is also closely associated with Prokofiev.
Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 was conceived in an atmosphere of Communist control, and saw him apparently toeing the party line. But its lighthearted melodies hint at ambiguous depths, and many argue for an ironic interpretation of its joyous finale.
The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by soloist Martha Argerich, ‘one of the greatest pianists in history’ (The Telegraph), who is acclaimed for her interpretation of Prokofiev’s virtuosic, tempestuous Piano Concerto No.3.