Donald Runnicles conducts Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony
Dramatic and heroic
Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles leads this concert of dramatic music, from the defiance of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony to the heroism of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto.
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You can feel the tension in Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. Written after he had been denounced by Stalin for writing ‘muddle instead of music’, Shostakovich’s career hung in the balance.
His response was this symphony. A mighty, sweeping masterpiece that unleashes the full power of the orchestra; a bold statement that found universal approval.
Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles is world-renowned for connecting audiences to the emotion of music, which means you’ll feel every dramatic twist and turn, with goosebumps guaranteed in the blazing finale.
In his Sydney Symphony debut, Canadian virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin provides an elegant contrast with Beethoven’s heroic and noble Piano Concerto No.4. And Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour magnificently conjures the night. Join us for this powerful reminder that in the darkest of times, artists hold the light.
Program
Anna CLYNE This Midnight Hour
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No.4*
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No.5
*Does not feature in the Tea & Symphony performance.
Artists
DONALD RUNNICLES conductor
MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN piano
Presenting Partner (Saturday)
