The Leningrad premiere of Shostakovich’s Fifth, with its rip-roaring finale, was a huge success – the audience reportedly responded with a 30-minute ovation! It proved equally popular around the world and is now his most performed symphony.

On this evening of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, the darkly Romantic Dvorák Concerto is played by the celebrated Ralph Kirshbaum. Texas born and bred, Kirshbaum has recorded extensively, including Gramophone’s Record of the Year in 1990 (the Tippett Triple Concerto).

Part of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival
A large contingent of the world’s greatest cellists will converge at USC to celebrate the Gregor Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. As part of this celebration, the LA Phil will present several special events, including a weekend of concerts in which each performance will feature a different piece with a different cello soloist.