London Symphony Orchestra / Seong-Jin Cho / Sir Antonio Pappano

Golden Oldies

Ta-da-da-Daaah! Yes, it’s that one again. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. You may think you have heard it all before, however, this phenomenal performance by the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Antonio Pappano is guaranteed to give a newfound appreciation of this iconic work. Beethoven’s legacy of exceptional symphonies was later expected to provide inspiration for Shostakovich to write a similarly monumental ninth symphony. Instead, he ingeniously composed a playful and satirical commentary on the heroic grandeur of Stalin’s repressive regime complete with circus fanfares, mock military pomp and hidden musical references. Whereas Shostakovich repeatedly attempted to conquer his own self-doubt and artistic insecurity in his music, Prokofiev was inspired to write his Second Piano Concerto by the suicide of a close friend. Universally acknowledged as one of the most significant works of the era, it will be played by pianist Seong-Jin Cho with his unique blend of virtuosity and sensitivity.