London Symphony Orchestra: Shostakovich 5

About This Movie

So, this concert film captures a unique moment when Michael Tilson Thomas turned 70, and it feels like a celebration of music’s capacity to connect different cultures. The LSO shines, and you can almost feel the energy in the hall. The pacing flows well between the intense, dramatic moments of Shostakovich and the lively Gershwin concerto, where Yuja Wang’s performance brings a refreshing spark – she’s really something to watch. Thomas has this way of drawing out emotion from the orchestra, making the music resonate deeply. It’s a blend of British, Russian, and American influences that somehow works seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of sound that feels both familiar and invigorating.

Concert celebrating Tilson Thomas's 70th birthdayFeatures Shostakovich's 5th SymphonyYuja Wang's dazzling Gershwin performance