Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Ravel / Rachmaninoff / Shostakovich

Ravel La Valse
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2  
     George Li, piano
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

“Rach 2” is a piece so loved, so well known, that it barely needs to be described.  Still, it is worth discovering it again under the mastery of home-grown pianist, George Li.  Silver medalist in the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition and winner of the prestigious XIV Concours International Grand Prix Animato 2014 Paris, George Li is regarded as one of the world’s most talented and creative young pianists. His astonishing technique, distinctive tonal quality, and exceptional musicality have earned him consistent critical acclaim.

The Symphony No. 5 is Shostakovich’s great symphony.  It is an enormous work – not so much in its length, but in its emotional reach.  It has come to be regarded as music’s greatest symbol of the power of the artist to raise his voice in protest, even in the darkest times.