This program celebrates the rich variety and enduring beauty of the Russian repertoire—from the intricate textures in Prokofiev’s Sonata for Two Violins and the aching beauty in Rachmaninoff’s Trio élégiaque to the stark, powerful expressions in Ustvolskaya’s Clarinet Trio. Violin virtuosos Paul Huang and Danbi Um—described, respectively, by The Strad as possessing an “unfailingly attractive, golden, and resonant tone” and being an “utterly dazzling” artist—share the Festival stage for the first time. 

EPSG:4326

Russian Odyssey: Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev

New Mexico Museum of Art

Galina Ustvolskaya joined the composition class of Dmitri Shostakovich at Leningrad State Conservatoire in St Petersburg, and immediately won his esteem, with the elder predicting 'world fame'. 

However, the conditions couldn't have been much worse: it was the time of 'Great Terror', the Soviet Union's clamp down on any radical thinkers and artists who veered from the communist line. 

Sound Within Sound: Ustvolskaya 

Southbank Centre

Piano Sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven and Galina Ustvolskaya.

Conor Hanick, piano

St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church

‘Childhood scenes, somewhat naïve, and bright moods associated with spring’ is how Shostakovich characterised his string quartet debut, a distraction from the political manoeuvrings that would still haunt the 5th quartet, whose coded defiance to Stalin also references the Clarinet Trio by his friend and sometime pupil Galina Ustvolskaya. 

Shostakovich Quartets: Intimate Portraits, Part 1

Milton Court Concert Hall

The Cleveland Orchestra is thrilled to announce its captivating performance, "Vox Humana," set to take place on May 23-24, 2025, at the prestigious Mandel Concert Hall within the Severance Music Center. Under the baton of the renowned conductor Franz Welser-Möst, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for classical music enthusiasts.

The performance will feature a diverse and emotionally rich program, including Poulenc's "La voix humaine," J.S. Bach's "Concerto from Komm, Jesu, komm" and "Aria from Komm, Jesu, komm," Ustvolskaya's "Symphony No. 5, Amen," and R. Strauss's "Symphonic Fantasy on Die Frau ohne Schatten." The Cleveland Orchestra will be joined by the talented soprano Sarah Aristidou, narrator Tony Sias, and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, ensuring a night of exquisite musical artistry.

This event is part of the 2025 Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival, highlighting the orchestra's commitment to delivering performances of the highest caliber. Tickets are available for subscription, offering attendees the chance to secure their seats for this much-anticipated event.

The Severance Music Center, known for its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, offers a range of services to ensure all attendees can enjoy the performance comfortably. These include wheelchair access and seating, companion wheelchair seating, assistance for the deaf or hard of hearing, assistance for the blind or persons with low vision, and service animal accommodations. Pre-paid parking passes for the adjacent Case Western Reserve University's CWRU Lot 29 Campus Center Garage are also available for select performances.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the profound beauty and emotional depth of "Vox Humana" performed by The Cleveland Orchestra. Secure your tickets now for an evening of unforgettable musical excellence.

Galina Ustvolskaya

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 29, 2025

Shostakovich Quartets: Intimate Portraits, Part 1 · Barbican Centre

23 - 24 May, 2025

Vox Humana · The Cleveland Orchestra

Past events

Jul 31, 2024

Russian Odyssey: Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev · Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival

Jul 6, 2024

Sound Within Sound: Ustvolskaya · London Sinfonietta

About

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