Shostakovich: The Leningrad

Composed during World War II as Leningrad endured a brutal siege, Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony demands time, attention, and presence. Music Director Jonathon Heyward, a passionate advocate for Shostakovich's music, introduces the work with guided excerpts and insight before the orchestra performs the full 78-minute symphony, allowing its message of resistance and survival to unfold in full.

• Symphony No. 7 exemplifies Shostakovich’s use of musical ambiguity, fulfilling public expectations while embedding a deeper, defiant commentary beneath the surface.
• The symphony’s first movement spans nearly half an hour, using repetition and accumulation to create large-scale tension across extended time.
• Shostakovich calls for an expanded orchestra, including eight horns, six trombones, multiple percussionists, piano, and two harps, dramatically broadening the symphonic palette.
• This performance continues Jonathon Heyward's multi-season focus on the works of Shostakovich.

• Jonathon Heyward will speak for 20 minutes to introduce the work, there will be a 20-minute intermission, and the Shostakovich will be performed for approximately 75 minutes.
• Late seating is not guaranteed, and will happen at the discretion of the front of house manager.
• Come as you are. You'll see everything from casual to cocktail attire.