Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony, Barbican Hall

Two contrasting pieces are billed for that night, both written during the Second World War. 

Soviet-born conductor Semyon Bychkov turned 60 last year (2012) and was appointed to the newly created Günter Wand Conducting Chair post, especially created for him by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, whom he is conducting at this concert. Bychkov is considered a meticulous conductor who understands the composer’s intentions. He is respected for interpreting works accurately rather than imposing his own modern twist.

The famous French piano duo the Labèque sisters are back in London to perform prolific Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra . Katia and Marielle Labèque are the perfect duo to bring this piece to life and hopefully there will be much hair tossing involved to bring the dancing rhythms to life on stage. It was written during Martinů’s time in America and is a great example of his work, considering most of his orchestral pieces have a big part for piano. There aren’t that many piano duos in the world and so Martinů’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra isn’t played very often, making this a rare opportunity to hear this work. Despite Martinů trying to stay away from the romantic style in which he learnt to compose, this piece has a big symphonic sound. 

Russian composer and great figure in twentieth-century music Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No.7, Leningrad couldn’t be more different. It pays tribute to the courage of Russians in the Second World War. It’s played frequently at the Leningrad cemetery and is one of Shostakovich’s best-known compositions. There are some lovely themes on the violin contrasted by huge symphonic moments. No doubt, the BBC Symphony Orchestra will do it justice.

Tickets: £10-£32

Address & Map:  Silk St, EC2Y 8DS  

Nearest tube: Barbican, Moorgate