Shostakovich's Tenth

The evening opens with Farrenc’s Overture No. 2, a work that sets a spirited tone for the more substantial masterpieces to follow. You will then hear Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the Emperor. Listen for the way the piano breaks tradition by entering immediately with sweeping flourishes, establishing a dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra that feels both noble and expansive. The second half of the concert focuses on Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10. Written in the wake of Stalin’s death, this symphony is often interpreted as a portrait of a specific era in Soviet history. You should listen for the composer’s musical signature, the DSCH motif, which emerges as a defiant personal statement amidst the tension of the third and fourth movements. The work moves from a sombre opening to a frantic, driven second movement, eventually concluding in a spirit of hard-won victory. We can expect a journey from the classical grandeur of the concerto to the gritty, psychological intensity of the symphony.

Paavo Järvi leads the London Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble celebrated for its versatility and its long-standing residency at the Southbank Centre. Järvi is recognised for his rhythmic precision and his ability to draw clear, detailed textures from large orchestral forces. Joining them is Benjamin Grosvenor, a British pianist known for his understated virtuosity and sensitive interpretations of the core Romantic repertoire. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to these demanding works, balancing the technical requirements of the Beethoven concerto with the emotional weight required for Shostakovich’s symphonic writing.

This performance takes place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, a venue noted for its clear acoustics and modernist design. The concert has a total running time of 101 minutes, including an interval. This duration makes it a substantial evening out, well-suited for those who enjoy contrasting musical styles within a single programme. There is no specific dress code for this event, so you may wear what feels comfortable for a formal concert setting. The venue is fully accessible, and tickets are available at several different price points, starting from nineteen pounds fifty.