Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
Fri Oct 13 — Sat Oct 14, 2023
Orchestra Hall
The scene: Moscow, 1937. It’s the height of the Stalinist purge and Shostakovich’s life is on the line. He’s been sleeping in the stairwell to spare his family the trauma of his impending arrest. A composer held hostage both artistically and literally, Shostakovich writes his Fifth Symphony—music that would fulfill the Soviet regime’s populist and “heroic” requirements and provide his political salvation. David Danzmayr will join the Minnesota Orchestra to lead this monumental and dramatic symphony that will have you on the edge of your seat with its many twists and turns.
A Few Things to Know
- We are pleased to welcome David Danzmayr, who will be conducting the October 13 and 14 concerts. We regret that Juraj Valčuha is unable to appear due to a family emergency. Jolas’ A Little Summer Suite will be replaced with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides Overture. The remainder of the program is unchanged.
- James MacMillan’s Trombone Concerto is dedicated to and was premiered by today’s soloist Jörgen van Rijen; the work is also composed in memory of MacMillan’s granddaughter Sara Maria.
Program
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MENDELSSOHN
The Hebrides Overture
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Impressions of swirling waters and crashing waves unfold in The Hebrides Overture, as Felix Mendelssohn paints pictures of the dramatic sea and the haunting scenery on the islands off the Western coast of Scotland.
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MACMILLAN
Trombone Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
While mourning his late granddaughter, James MacMillan worked with trombonist Jörgen van Rijen to craft a virtuosic and emotionally impactful concerto for him. Cast in a single half-hour movement, the concerto navigates various moods and themes, including a foundational seven-note motif, a dance-like scherzo and a hymn-like close.
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SHOSTAKOVICH
Symphony No. 5
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Dmitri Shostakovich’s Fifth, the most frequently performed of his 15 symphonies, is forceful and questioning. It imitates the form of a classical symphony until its icy third movement, scored without brass, as gorgeous melodies rise and fall. Dueling critics have interpreted the finale as either triumphant or a bitingly sarcastic rebuke of Joseph Stalin’s authoritarian regime.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
David Danzmayr
conductor
Jörgen van Rijen
trombone
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Described by The Herald as “extremely good, concise, clear, incisive and expressive,” David Danzmayr is widely regarded as one of the most exciting European conductors of his generation. He is in his second season as music director of the Oregon Symphony, having started his tenure there in the orchestra´s 125th anniversary season. He also stands at the helm of the versatile ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Columbus, an innovative orchestra comprised of musicians from all over the United States.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre-concert talk
When: Fri Oct 13, 7:15pm | Sat Oct 14, 6:15pm
Where: Target Atrium
Join Nicholas Landrum, an award-winning composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator, as he unpacks Shostakovich's role in the Soviet State in his pre-concert talk A Response to Just Criticism: Shostakovich and the Soviet State.
Exhibit by The Museum of Russian Art
When: Fri Oct 13, Sat Oct 14
Where: Mezzanine
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Pre-order beverages
Skip the lines at the bar! Pre-order your intermission beverage via the MN Orch App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
Video: Jörgen van Rijen and New Trombone Collective - James MacMillan, Trombone Concerto
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
SPONSORED BY
The 2023-2024 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
