Darkness meets light as Shostakovich’s shattering Tenth Symphony confronts music of ecstasy, beauty and soaring optimism by Olivier Messiaen and Outi Tarkiainen.
The Soviets called Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony an 'optimistic tragedy', but the reality is infinitely more complex (and compelling) than that. It’s a symphony of dark secrets and shattering power: a powerful contrast to the heavenly radiance of Messiaen’s musical prayer, and the haunting tenderness and magical new sounds of Outi Tarkiainen’s Milky Ways.
'We all began life on milky ways' says Tarkiainen; and this BBC co-commission was inspired by the glorious sound of our soloist Nicholas Daniel, whose cor anglais (says Tarkiainen) will soar 'from Mother Earth to the celestial Milky Way'. It’s a vision that Messiaen, too, would have appreciated. Shostakovich dealt with altogether more brutal truths, but some say that his Tenth is his greatest symphony, and it’ll make a gripping BBC SO debut for the 'remarkable' (Bachtrack) David Afkham.
The end time for this performance will be added closer to the performance date
Produced by BBC Symphony Orchestra
Programme
Performers
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Shostakovich & Orff
Hall
Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users in row U at the rear of the stalls (up to sixteen, depth of row 180cm) and the back row of the circle (four), both with fold-down companion seats. Some seats in row S of the stalls for people with very limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the concert hall where there are a limited number of suitable seats in row G of the stalls. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the cloakroom staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the concert hall. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
Free large-print programmes
These are available for most of our concerts. Please contact [email protected] at least a week beforehand, to prebook a large-print programmme.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
