In the dangerous world of Joseph Stalin’s Russia, an embattled Dmitri Shostakovich unveiled a new symphony that would miraculously please both audiences and the authorities. Angus McPherson speaks to Asher Fisch and Mark Wigglesworth about the music that changed the composer’s life forever.

The centrepiece of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's 2021 season, Part 2, is the ambitious, new Festival of Orchestra in November/December.

Mark Wigglesworth conducts Beethoven's nine symphonies over 10 days, a mini festival of women composers, and Nicholas Carter returns to conduct Mahler's Fifth.

With Stalin bearing down on him, Shostakovich withdrew his monumental Fourth Symphony at the very last minute, consigning it to a drawer for the next 25 years. Mark Wigglesworth tells us why the score was so dangerous, and how the composer’s music changed forever.

This issue includes features on Léo Delibes' Sylvia, Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony, Golden Age string instruments, and composers Schumann and John Kander.

A concert which will be talked about for some time.

Andreas Ottensamer and Mark Wigglesworth impress in intelligent double bill.

Nicholas Carter’s final year as Principal Conductor features a world premiere for Pinchas Zukerman’s 70th birthday, and Jayson Gillham playing five Beethoven piano concertos.

Thrilling colour and quality from Australian violinist Grace Clifford and the ASO.

Rising star violinist Grace Clifford one of several new appointments in Nicholas Carter’s third season. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Carl Vine's Hallucinations prove a hypnotic new addition to the trombone rep.

Mahler and Tchaikovsky’s starkly contrasting treatments of childhood, brilliantly conveyed. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in