Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, conducted here by Juraj Valcuha, follows a familiar musical trajectory from despair to triumph over its four movements. Though declared a failure both critically and by the composer himself after its first performances, it has become one of his most popular works today, and was particularly championed during World War II. One of the most notable performances was by the Leningrad Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1941 during the Siege of Leningrad, which was also broadcast live to London. As the second movement began, bombs started to fall nearby, but the orchestra continued playing until the final note. This concert also features Dvořák's Cello Concerto performed by rising star Alisa Weilerstein.
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More concerts at Royal Festival Hall:
Gatti conducts in London
May 17 2012, 19:30 - Royal Festival Hall
Daniele Gatti conducts Mahler's Symphony No. 5 and Wagner's Prelude to Act III and Good Friday Music from Parsifal
Volodos in recital
May 22 2012, 19:30 - Royal Festival Hall
Arcadi Volodos performs Schubert's Piano Sonata in A minor, Brahms' 3 Intermezzi and Sonata in B minor by Liszt








