The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO, 國家交響樂團) presents Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, a sweeping work completed during a period of intense bombing in Russia during World War II. During the German siege against Leningrad, currently known as St. Petersburg, Shostakovich stayed in the city to serve in the fire brigade and write a symphony that has become a testament to courage and hope. The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Op. 35, D major, featuring Taiwanese-Australian violinist Ray Chen (陳銳). Chen is winner of the 2008 Menuhin Award for young players under 22 and the 2009 Queen Elisabeth Music Competition.
■ NSO Return to Leningrad (列寧格勒) is 7:30pm tonight at the National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳) in Taipei City and 7:30pm tomorrow at the Hsinchu Municipal Performance Hall (新竹市文化局演藝廳) at 16, Dongda Rd Sec 2, Hsinchu City (新竹市東大路二段17號 ). Both concerts include a music lecture in the lobby that starts at 7pm.
■ Tickets are NT$400 to NT$1,000, available through NTCH ticketing and online at www.artsticket.com.tw.
Photo courtesy of Chris Dunlop
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