Livermore-Amador Symphony
February 23, 2013
Vienna Bonbon and Russian Drama
Lehar: Gold and Silver Waltz
Schumann: Concerto in A minor, Opus 54 (1st movement)
Vivian Sung, piano
winner of the 2012–2013 Competition for Young Musicians
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Opus 20, No. 1
Young Sun (Angel) Kim, violin
winner of the 2012–2013 Competition for Young Musicians
—Intermission—
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
To read the concert program insert, including program notes, click here (791K pdf).
To listen to the Prelude lecture
by Art Barnes and Peter Curzon, click here (24.8MB mp3).
Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
Prelude talk from 7–7:30 p.m.
Concert begins at 8 p.m.
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street, Livermore, California
In 1937 in Russia, Shostakovich wrote his masterful and enigmatic Fifth Symphony during the height of Stalin’s purges. Living under constant threat, the talented composer found his works strongly denounced by the Communist Party. Fearing for his life, the young composer wrote a symphony ending with a rousing march. But to many, the triumph rang hollow. The mystery endures as to the composer’s intent: did he celebrate Stalin’s regime? Or did his music contain hidden messages protesting the very system it seemed to support? “I think it is clear to everyone what happens in the Fifth,” he allegedly said years later. “The rejoicing is forced, created under threat. It’s as if someone were beating you with a stick and saying, ‘Your business is rejoicing, your business is rejoicing!’” Come decide for yourself what the master’s message was. You will also enjoy the performances of the two winners of the Symphony’s annual Competition for Young Musicians, featured soloists in a program that brings something for multiple musical tastes.
© Livermore-Amador Symphony Association
