Raiskin Conducts Shostakovich

Maxim Berezovsky: Symphony in C
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 (original version)
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Cello Concerto, Op. 37 by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, will not be performed.

WSO Music Director Daniel Raiskin is gifted at uncovering the secrets of Shostakovich, and this performance of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony is an opportunity to tell all. Shostakovich utilized his “secret code” musical monogram in this work more than almost any other. These four notes are a poignant expression of self during a regime that sought to erase the personal identity of artists in favour of brute nationalistic pride.

Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations and Korngold’s Cello Concerto put cello virtuosity on full display with memorable melody, the latter from Korngold’s Hollywood film years.

The evening begins with what is now considered the very first Ukrainian symphony – Maxime Berezovsky’s long-lost Symphony in C major.

Consider coming to the performance early and joining us for a pre-concert chat from the stage at 6:45 pm.

PROGRAM NOTES