In 1936, Dmitri Shostakovich veered perilously close to losing his life. Labeled an "enemy of the people," the composer needed to somehow placate the monster Stalin and gave it his best shot with his Symphony No. 5. Crafting a muscular thrill ride with a politically expedient dose of heroism, Shostakovich redeemed himself in the eyes of the tyrant and gave the world one of the greatest symphonies of the 20th century. The rising star American conductor Karina Canellakis brings out the soulful virtuoso Itamar Zorman to play Berg's haunting and poetic Violin Concerto and kicks off the program with a nod to Beethoven in his 250th year.

Thurs Jan 30

Sat Feb 2