Celebrating the indomitable voice of the individual, Ukrainian-born pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk makes his ACO debut performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, in which he is joined by trumpeter David Elton. Both composers affirm the right to self-expression – Gershwin through exuberant freedom, Shostakovich in defiance of Soviet oppression (read our interview on page 46). Richard Tognetti directs a program that includes the world premiere of Valentin Silvestrov’s A Moment of Memory, written while sheltering from the war in Ukraine.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Music is a powerful defence against darkness. Throughout history, composers have responded to adversity time and time again by creating music full of hope.

Richard Tognetti directs this profound program that features Ukrainian-born, internationally renowned pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk making his ACO debut in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s witty, irreverent Piano Concerto No.1 with David Elton on trumpet.

Gershwin’s much-loved Rhapsody in Blue is a life-affirming explosion of jazz and joy, an exultant celebration of difference and dynamism. It’s a stark contrast to Shostakovich’s intense and emotional Chamber Symphony, dedicated to the victims of fascism and oppression. It tells a story of fear and melancholy but never loses hope.

In response, we have commissioned a new work from Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, known for his lyrical, introspective and consoling style which he shares with his friend Arvo Pärt. This is a special piece, which the composer wrote for the ACO while sheltering from war after escaping his native Kyiv.