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Santtu conducts Prokofiev and Shostakovich

‘The greatest graduation piece of all time’ crowns this evening of 20th century classics.

  • Philharmonia
Royal Festival Hall
Thu 10 Apr7.30 pm
1 hours 30 minutes
Conductor(s):

Santtu-Matias Rouvali

Performer(s):

Nemanja Radulović – violin

Programme

Prokofiev Classical Symphony

Shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1

— Interval —

Shostakovich Symphony No. 1

About this event

‘The greatest graduation piece of all time’ crowns this evening of 20th century classics.

The Philharmonia’s Principal Conductor Santtu opens with Prokofiev’s ‘happy and uncomplicated’, Mozart-inspired Symphony No. 1. Prokofiev wrote in his journal while he was writing the effervescent last movement ‘I was hugging myself with delight all the time I was composing it.’

It’s mind-boggling to think that Shostakovich was just 19 years old when he wrote his First Symphony, as a graduation piece at the Leningrad Conservatory. Don’t be fooled by his young age: already, we hear the composer’s distinctive voice and mastery of the power and potential of the orchestra. His professors arranged a public premiere by the Leningrad Symphony, and it caused a sensation.

Shostakovich was at a much lower point in his rollercoaster relationship with officialdom when he composed his Violin Concerto No. 1. Written in the shadow of his denunciation by the Soviet authorities, the piece did not receive its premiere until after Stalin’s death. By turns anguished, sardonic, yearning and defiant, it’s easy to interpret this virtuosic concerto as Shostakovich’s response to Soviet oppression. Tonight’s performance by the Philharmonia’s Featured Artist Nemanja Radulović is a chance to experience his ‘energy and firepower’ (Gramophone), but also his warmth and empathy.

This is the first of three Philharmonia concerts marking the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death. Look out for Shostakovich’s final symphony, No. 15, on 13 April, and artist William Kentridge’s take on his Symphony No. 10 on 24 April.

Venue details

Royal Festival Hall

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Location Map

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