Babi Yar: Noseda conducts Shostakovich | London Symphony Orchestra

Shostakovich’s ‘Babi Yar’ symphony is a testament to human suffering and survival; Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto salutes the human spirit. Gianandrea Noseda and Simon Trpceski perform them tonight.

‘No monument stands over Babi Yar / A drop sheer as a coarse gravestone / I am afraid …’ Shostakovich speaks unsparing truth to power, in a symphony inspired by one of the darkest episodes in modern history. This is music that burns with rage and aches with sorrow: the strongest possible counterpoint to the grandeur and glory of Beethoven’s majestic ‘Emperor’ Concerto.

Gianandrea Noseda directs the London Symphony Chorus as well as the Ukrainian bass Vitalij Kowaljow – praised by critics for his ‘gravity and pathos’. First, though, he joins Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski for Beethoven at his most affirmative: and if you’ve never heard Trpceski play the piano, believe us – you’re in for the ride of your life.