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Decoding Shostakovich

What does political resistance sound like? Learn the secret messages of resistance that Shostakovich folded into his music and what kept the composer writing — and resisting — in a turbulent time. Yo-Yo Ma, Mitsuko Uchida, and Baiba Skride headline this month-long dive into the orchestral works, films, and chamber music of a profound composer who survived and eventually thrived despite unrelenting political pressure.

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

“Muddle Instead of Music”: Shostakovich and Censorship | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 2, 2025 - 6:00pm

The BYSO Youth Center for Music

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Decoding Shostakovich, Literally | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 9, 2025 - 6:00pm

The BYSO Youth Center for Music

Andris Nelsons conducting

Symphonies Nos. 6 & 11, The Year 1905 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 10, 2025 - 7:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Yo-Yo Ma holding his cello and smiling

Cello Concerto No. 1 with Yo-Yo Ma | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 11, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Music Diplomacy and U.S.-Soviet Cultural Exchanges | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 15, 2025 - 6:00pm

ASEAN Auditorium at The Fletcher School (Tufts University), Medford, MA

Mitsuko Uchida sitting at a piano

Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 17, 2025 - 7:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Mitsuko Uchida sitting at a piano

Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 18, 2025 - 1:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Mitsuko Uchida sitting at a piano

Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 19, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Shostakovich in Soviet Cinema | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 23, 2025 - 6:30pm

Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA

Andris Nelsons conducting

Symphony No. 6 & Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 26, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Andris Nelsons conducting

Symphony No. 6 & Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 27, 2025 - 2:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Judaism in the Soviet Union | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 30, 2025 - 6:00pm

The Vilna Shul, Boston, MA

Portrait of Baiba Skride holding her violin in front of a black background

Symphony No. 8 & Violin Concerto No. 1 with Baiba Skride | Decoding Shostakovich

May 2, 2025 - 1:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Portrait of Baiba Skride holding her violin in front of a black background

Symphony No. 8 & Violin Concerto No. 1 with Baiba Skride | Decoding Shostakovich

May 3, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Form and Function: The Legacy of Brutalism | Decoding Shostakovich

May 7, 2025 - 6:00pm

Boston City Hall, Lobby, Boston, MA