English Chamber Orchestra: Shostakovich: In Memoriam

Join the English Chamber Orchestra for an extraordinary evening marking the 50th anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich’s passing. This special concert explores the depth of his music alongside the brilliance of Benjamin Britten’s tribute to his teacher, Frank Bridge.

The evening begins with Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, a brilliant and expressive work that highlights his skill in orchestration and celebrates his mentor’s influence.

The program continues with Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings, a vibrant and dynamic piece filled with contrasting moods and rich textures, blending wit, warmth, and poignancy.

The concert concludes with Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony Op. 110a, an intensely personal piece originally composed as his String Quartet No. 8. Its orchestration for string orchestra amplifies the emotional power of this deeply reflective work.

Presented in association with the International Centre for Contemporary Music (ICCM).