Yuri Temirkanov, Maxim Vengerov and the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra: Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich

Following several concerts earlier this year that scored top marks from the critics, the violinist Maxim Vengerov is returning to London in November. This time, he’s bringing the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra , under the direction of Yuri Temirkanov , for an all-Russian evening of Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich at the Royal Festival Hall. 
Vengerov is widely regarded as one of the greatest living violinists. His playing has that rare mixture of technical mastery and emotional dexterity – and, since his return to the concert hall after a four-year hiatus, several critics have suggested that the breathtaking virtuosity of his early performances has matured into something altogether richer. 
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, which begins the night, is a piece that plays to his strengths, demanding poise and passion in equal measure, full of fire and dazzling technical flourishes. It’s a favourite with audiences, and has been played many times before – but to hear it in the hands of a true master will be a remarkable thing.
In the second half, Vengerov will step out of the limelight as the orchestra takes on Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony. This work, which premiered shortly after Stalin’s death and is generally agreed to be a musical depiction of his reign, requires the same level of intensity as the Tchaikovsky, though of an entirely different kind. Often slow and brooding, but punctuated by moments of dizzying, almost delirious acceleration, it’s an extremely demanding piece – but we have no doubt that Temirkanov and the St Petersburg Philharmonic will be up to the job.
In short, this is bound to be an exciting evening. As ever, though, with such distinguished performers on board, tickets are likely to sell out soon – so book now.