Half Six Fix: Shostakovich 8

The evening

Kick-start your evening with a 60-minute Half Six Fix concert. Introduced by the performers, with screens in the hall to bring you closer to the action.

Composing in 1943 under scrutiny from Stalin, Shostakovich was expected to write an optimistic symphony to celebrate a recent military victory. Instead, Symphony No 8 is a far more honest portrayal of World War II than Soviet officials had hoped. The first movement opens with ominous sustained strings, with the subsequent crashing climax symbolising the horrors of global conflict. The following movements unfold into grotesque marches and a mournful fourth movement. Rather than a heroic finale, the piece concludes with serene fragility. Instead of triumphant propaganda, Shostakovich’s ‘Stalingrad Symphony’ musically reflects the brutality of war.

The LSO’s Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano will present and lead the orchestra in one of Shostakovich’s darkest symphonies, offering compelling commentary on the piece.

The work of the Chief Conductor with the LSO is generously supported by Alex & Elena Gerko, and members of the Chief Conductor’s Circle.