Programme:
Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D major Op. 61
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor Op. 47
The British Aurora Orchestra and its conductor Nicholas Collon defy conventions! In 2019 they delivered a spectacular Musikfest finale by playing Hector Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique standing, entirely from memory – making the audience at the Glocke go wild with enthusiasm. Some might dismiss this as a mere gimmick for show, but it is far from that! Making music standing up is extremely demanding for every member of an orchestra. It fosters a collective spirit by enabling the musicians to make genuine eye contact as they face each other whilst also allowing them to be more flexible. Now they give Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony the same treatment! First performed in Leningrad in 1937, it was by no means a purely rehabilitative work after the composer had been subjected to harsh attacks for his opera »Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk«. Instead, in its ambiguity, it is now regarded as a subtle denunciation of the brutality of the Stalinist regime. The orchestra’s willingness to take risks is certain to appeal to acclaimed violinist Alena Baeva, whose magnetic presence and dynamic, energetic playing will give you new insights into Beethoven’s violin concerto!
Aurora Orchestra
Alena Baeva violin
Nicholas Collon conductor
presented by SIKORA AG
