Tchaikovsky / Shostakovich, Stanislav Kochanovsky

Teatro Malibran is a wonderful Venetian venue for a rendition of two Russian masterpieces - one by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the other by Dmitri Shostakovich - under the musical direction of the renowned conductor, Stanislav Kochanovsky. The La Fenice Orchestra, one of Venice's most respected orchestras, will take to the Malibran's stage in what is likely to be a compelling series of performances.
Each of these concerts will open with Tchaikovsky's Concerto for violin and orchestra op. 35, one of his best-known violin pieces. Composed in 1878 while the great musician was in Switzerland, this work opens with a moderately brisk movement in D major before progressing to a shorter canzonetta in 3:4 waltz time for the second movement. At this point, the music is more reflective and moves to the key G minor. Woodwinds give way to the solo violin after a rather poignant, mournful opening. The concerto's final movement returns to D major and is played much quicker in a 2:4 time signature with some lively folk-like dancing melodies. This celebrated Tchaikovsky concerto was first performed in 1881.
Shostakovich's Sixth symphonic work premiered in Leningrad – now St Petersburg - in 1939, played by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra under Evgeny Mravinsky. This piece also consists of three movements but does not conform to the usual symphonic structure of the time. Instead, the Soviet-era Russian composer decided to opt for a long, slow and thoughtful first movement with no heroic mood, something that had been a feature of his earlier compositions. This movement is then followed by two scherzos which are much more lively. When the symphony was first performed, this structure split opinion and it is still notable for its individual style to this day.
Stanislav Kochanovsky was born in St Petersburg and attended the prestigious musical conservatoire there, where he graduated with honours. He's considered by many to be among the brightest stars of Russian music in recent years and has been described as among the most promising young conductors of his generation. In the past, Kochanovsky has served as the Chief Conductor of the State Safonov Philharmonic Orchestra. He's also worked with ensembles such as the Philharmonia Orchestra of London and the Danish National Symphony.
With such a talented Russian conductor in charge of interpreting two acclaimed pieces by Russian musical giants of different eras, these concerts are sure to leave an impression on all who are fortunate enough to attend them.