Shostakovich and Bartók: Roots and Revolutions

From stamping rhythms to knockout solos, experience the LPO at full throttle.

For Béla Bartók, folk music was something real and raw – art as untamed energy, with the power to unlock astonishing new realms of sound. Guest conductor Cristian Măcelaru is a force of nature, so expect flashing fiddles, stamping rhythms and harmonies as he conducts the LPO in two supercharged showpieces for an orchestra at the top of its game: Ligeti’s irrespressible Concert Românesc and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto packs a knockout punch too – especially when played by Zlatomir Fung. Critics say that he has ‘the Midas touch’ (Bachtrack), and you’re about to hear why.

Cristian Măcelaru conductor · Zlatomir Fung cello