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London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Antonio Pappano

Britten & Shostakovich, with Janine Jansen

Janine Jansen on the Barbican stage, in front of the orchestra, playing the violin

Violinist Janine Jansen showcases Britten’s soulful concerto before the LSO launches into Shostakovich’s scathing criticism of Stalin.

There’s a sparky energy and bittersweet lyricism to Britten’s 1939 Violin Concerto that nods to Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. But this is also a deeply personal work that helped boost Britten’s international reputation.

Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya called Shostakovich’s blistering Symphony No 10 ‘a composer’s testament of misery, forever damning a tyrant.’ Premiered soon after Stalin’s death, the work blends solemnity and mocking sneers that are as powerful as anything the composer wrote.

One of today’s most expressive and technically impressive violinists, Janine Jansen has made Britten’s Concerto her own in recent years, while the LSO has a long and illustrious history with Shostakovich.

This performance will end at approximately 8.50pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change).

Produced by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Ticket prices

Standard
£18-72 *
* Excludes £4 booking fee

Booking fees

£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction. 

No fee when tickets are booked in person.

Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.

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.