In the organizer's words:

Begun after the German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, composed for the most part in besieged Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and premiered on March 5, 1942 in Kuibyshev (now Samara) by the evacuated orchestra of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre under the direction of Samuil Samossud, Dmitri Shostakovich's Seventh - the so-called "Leningrad" - is probably the most iconic of his 15 symphonies. Performed in Moscow, London and New York soon after its premiere and broadcast on the radio, it is regarded as a striking musical statement against fascism and brought the composer worldwide fame.

The first performance in Leningrad on August 13, 1942 under the direction of Karl Eliasberg with members of the Leningrad Radio Orchestra was particularly symbolic. Shostakovich's home city had been encircled by the German Wehrmacht since September 1941, with the population suffering from hunger, cold and constant bombardment. At this point, the blockade was to last for almost a year and a half.

The large-scale symphony develops a powerful sound character over more than 70 minutes, characterized by dynamic contrasts and striking rhythms. Accessible, even 'suitable for the masses', with militant accents and a seemingly victorious finale, it offers enough starting points for political instrumentalization - then as now. However, its musical expressiveness goes far beyond this.

Under the direction of Simon Gaudenz, the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra unfolds the work in a new interpretation - in dialog with the light art of ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Robert Seidel. He is not interested in illustrating something historical, but in using his art to open up spaces of perception that enable more intensive listening. Don't miss this unique audiovisual concert experience!

Program

Dmitri Shostakovich:
Symphony No. 7 in C major op. 60 ("Leningrad")

Performers

Jena Philharmonic Orchestra
Simon Gaudenz, conductor
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Robert Seidel, light art

Notes

18:45 Concert introduction