Shostakovich and Sibelius
An evening full of raw beauty and existential depth – experience Shostakovich and Sibelius like never before.
Two symphonies that do not beat around the bush. Shostakovich and Sibelius pose big questions, without easy answers. Shostakovich's Fourteenth is raw and direct, full of poetry and power. Sibelius' Fourth sounds like an inner quest, subdued but grand. Together they form a compelling double portrait of artists who let silence speak – and in doing so touch something essential.
Programme & performers
Shostakovich
Fourteenth Symphony
Sibelius
Fourth Symphony
Shostakovich Year
This concert kicks off 'the Shostakovich Year'. From this concert until May 2026, we will delve into the musical world of one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Shostakovich's music offers a raw, unmistakable mirror of human struggle, fear and hope, which still resonates today. From the confrontation with death in his Fourteenth Symphony to the youthful bravado of the First Symphony, this year we will take you along seven masterpieces that reflect his lifelong quest for freedom and expression. A unique opportunity to experience Shostakovich's unparalleled courage and perseverance, brought to you by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, which masters his music like no other.
you realize how beautiful life is
