A Signature in Sound

Exactly fifty years after his death, Dmitri Shostakovich is remembered as the voice of conscience for the Soviet people. Despite the ever-present pressure of political oversight, he succeeded in composing dozens of universally acclaimed masterpieces. Among them is his eighth string quartet – a mournful meditation on despair and destruction, written in memory of the bombed city of Dresden. Conductor Rudolf Barshai later created an orchestral arrangement of the work, which Shostakovich himself praised as being even better than the original.

Shostakovich’s final composition was a sonata for viola and piano – a deeply personal testament from an artist fully aware of his own fate. Beneath its surface lies the beating heart of an optimist. A contemporary critic described it as a moment of clarity amid tragedy, a quiet retreat towards immortality. In the Hupisaaret concert we will hear a version for viola and string orchestra. The recent orchestral work of Oulu-born composer Lauri Marjakangas also circles around the eternal questions of life and existence.

The renowned German violist Nils Mönkemeyer returns to Oulu, this time taking on the dual role of leader and soloist.

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Duration about 1 h 40 min (incl. intermission)

Tickets 39 € normal / 29 € pensioner / 19 € student, unemployed, child (3–17 yrs) Free entry to the concert for Kaikukortti holders (limited amount, must be purchased in advance from Oulu10 service point). Prices include service fee. Order fee 3 €/order when bought from Ticketmaster shops or 1,50 €/order when bought from Ticketmaster online shop will be added, excluding tickets purchased at Oulu Sinfonia ticket booth and Kaikukortti tickets.