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, Mischa Maisky plays the Shostakovich First Concerto, widely considered to be one of the most difficult works for cello and orchestra. Its first performance was given by Maisky’s teacher, Mstislav Rostropovich – Maisky is the only cellist to have studied with both Piatigorsky and Rostropovich.

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.