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London Symphony Orchestra: Half Six Fix

Shostakovich 4 with Sir Simon Rattle

,Hall
Sir Simon Rattle conducting

Sir Simon Rattle introduces Shostakovich’s Fourth in this early-evening concert.

Discover this shocking, dissonant, savagely ironic work: a statement of rebellion against Stalin’s dictatorship.

It begins with the engines of industry: mechanical marches, pounding brass. An uneasy second movement, and then a nightmarish vision of life in Stalin’s Russia explodes in a frenzied succession of dance themes. 

Shostakovich withdrew his Fourth Symphony before its first performance, after hints that he was treading a fine line with the Soviet authorities. It shines on as an extraordinary vision of thwarted humanity.

There are thrills and chills aplenty in Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO’s uncompromising approach to Shostakovich’s masterpiece. In this performance, you can hear the shuddering depths of emotion behind its wild mood swings and bitter cynicism. 

 

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This performance will end at approximately 7.50pm, with no interval.

Photography
Please note that a photographer will be taking photos at this concert. If you have any concerns, or would like to be excluded from any photography, please speak to a member of staff on the day or email [email protected] at least 48 hours before the concert.

Produced by the London Symphony Orchestra

Programme

  • Dmitri Shostakovich   Symphony No 4

Performers

  • Sir Simon Rattle   conductor & presenter
  • London Symphony Orchestra  

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.