SHOSTAKOVICHFEST: a vibrant tribute to a musical rebel is the next concert for OPUS Chamber Music, presented in partnership with The Canadian Chamber Orchestra. The concert celebrating the groundbreaking music of the Russian composer and pianist takes place on February 2.
A composer born into the Soviet era, Shostakovich had a complicated relationship with his government, which swung between endorsing and condemning his work. He used both traditional and modern compositional techniques, and covered a wide range of emotions in his work. In his life and career, he walked a fine line between being able to work freely as a composer and critiquing and condemning the Soviet regime.
The All-Shostakovich Program
The program covers music from various parts of his career from the 1920s to the 1960s, including:
- Two Waltzes
- Octet
- Piano Concerto No. 1
- Duo for Two Violins
- Chamber Symphony, Op. 110A
- Selections from The Gadfly
The composer himself performed at the premiere of his Piano Concerto no. 1 on October 15, 1933 with the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra. While it’s technically a piano concerto, it’s often discussed as a kind of double concerto in that the trumpet has an equally prominent role in the score.
Shostakovich wrote the score for the 1955 Soviet film The Gadfly. It was based on a novel of the same name by Ethel Lilian Voynich. The Gadfly Suite, Op. 97A is an arrangement of the music into an orchestral suite by fellow Russian composer Levon Atovmyan.
Musicians
Some of the city’s finest chamber musicians will be on stage for the Shostakovich tribute.
- Kevin Ahfat, pianist & OPUS Artistic Director
- Renata Cardoso, guest trumpet [Piano Concerto No. 1]
Canadian Chamber Orchestra
The CCO is a self-directed chamber ensemble with a mission to “broadening the visibility and impact of Canadian musicians, composers, and artists within Canada, and on the global stage”. They’re looking to create dynamic experiences for audiences.
Members:
- Violinists Luri Lee, Sheila Jaffe, Noa Sarid, Christina Choi, Hee-Soo Yoon, Chris Whitley, Kun Yan, Sienna Cho;
- Violists Hezekiah Leung, Catherine Gray, Carolyn Blackwell;
- Cellists & Co-Artistic Directors of CCO Drew Comstock, Andrew Ascenzo;
- Bassist Travis Harrison.
Get more tickets and information about the February 2 concert at the Eglinton St. George’s United Church [HERE].
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