Love & Propaganda: SF Symphony Performs Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 [Sponsored]

Love & Propaganda: SF Symphony Performs Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 [Sponsored]American composer Leonard Bernstein. | Photo: the San Francisco Symphony
Hoodline
Published on February 08, 2018

The SF Symphony's Leonard Bernstein centennial celebration continues this month, leading patrons on an emotional journey tackling youthful bliss, the meaning of love and the edge of political exile.

Running February 22–24, The SF Symphony Performs Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 begins with Divertimento, a joyful, lighthearted piece inspired by the great American composer's youth.

Next, violinist Vadim Gluzman is set to perform Berstein's Serenade. Written in 1954, the work takes inspiration from Plato's Symposium, a series of dialogues on the nature of love.

Rounding out the evening: Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. As SFS Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas notes in the video below, the Soviet composer's iconic piece was drafted in an attempt to avoid exile in prison camp. But whether the wildly successful piece is a genuine work of political propaganda is still debated today.

Video: SF Symphony

Performances begin at 8pm Thursday, February 22nd; Friday, February 23rd and Saturday, February 24th at Davies Symphony Hall.

In addition to pre-concert talks and post-show autographs by violinist Vadim Gluzman, ticket holders are invited to explore “Leonard Bernstein and the San Francisco Symphony.”

Located on the First Tier Lobby, the special exhibit—in honor of Bernstein's 100th birthday—examines his relationship with SFS as a conductor, composer, educator, activist and friend.

BUY TICKETS>>