Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony

Beanbag concert series

Aurora Orchestra performs Dmitri Shostakovich's defiant Fifth Symphony by memory.

In 1936, Shostakovich’s new opera was slammed by the official Soviet paper Pravda as muddle instead of music’. In Joseph Stalin’s Russia, a review like that could be deadly. Shostakovich knew he had to redeem himself fast. The result was his life-saving Fifth Symphony.

From the intense, militaristic energy of the outer movements to the heartfelt anguish of the Largo, the work is a vibrant mix of styles and shifting moods. There’s even a touch of humour in the second movement, evoking whimsical circus.

Aurora Orchestra and their founder-conductor Nicholas Collon bring their acclaimed performance style to this beanbag concert. Playing from memory, they breathe fresh life into Shostakovich’s sensational work. Alongside it, experience Abel Selaocoe’s Four Spirits, a work designed to create a powerful sense of connection with its listeners.