Shostakovich responded to the political world around him in his compositions. As three of our orchestras prepare to play two of his most popular symphonies, Paolo Hooke talks with conductors Umberto Clerici, Sir Donald Runnicles and Mark Wigglesworth about why Shostakovich’s music remains as vital and relevant as ever.

Dmitri Shostakovich studying a piece of music in 1942–43.
Dmitri Shostakovich studying a piece of music in 1942–43. Image: Everett Collection Historical/Alamy

This September, 50 years after the death of Dmitri Shostakovich on 9 August, 1975, Australian audiences will have the chance to experience two of his towering symphonic works. Over the course of nine days, three of our orchestras will present two of his greatest compositions – his Symphonies Nos. 5 and 10. The Adelaide and...