Shostakovich: Truth
or Consequences

Journeys to Genius 2

Denounced by Stalin, the composer Shostakovich faced a life or death decision as he penned his Fifth Symphony. See the true story of a creative genius who successfully navigated a solution to an impossible dilemma: follow his heart and die, or bend to the iron will of the Soviet Union’s greatest tyrant. We'll let you in on the secret musical code that Shostakovich employed to convey the Russian people's suffering and dreams. A code so nuanced that it eluded Stalin, who leapt to his feet in applause when he heard the Fifth Symphony. A performance so sincere and expressive, it brought the Russian people to tears of understanding. Join the Sarasota Orchestra in a compelling concert experience featuring video, actors and musical excerpts preceding a performance of Shostakovich's triumphant Fifth Symphony.