The LPO Presents Bach & Shostakovich: A Dialogue Across Centuries

Name: The LPO Presents Bach & Shostakovich: A Dialogue Across Centuries
Start: 2025-11-14T18:00:00-06:00
Location: New Marigny Theatre at Church Of Arts & Sciences

Schedule

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 06:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

New Marigny Theatre at Church Of Arts & Sciences | New Orleans, LA

Join us for an evening where centuries of musical thought meet — from Bach’s divine architecture to Shostakovich’s human confession.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞
✨ 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜
The evening begins with Bach’s 𝑅𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 2 from The Musical Offering, a breathtaking exploration of counterpoint and invention. Written on a theme given to him by Frederick the Great, this work transforms a single melody into a world of harmonic depth and mathematical beauty. From there, the vibrant 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑔 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑜 𝑁𝑜. 2 bursts to life — a joyous showcase of Baroque brilliance, featuring dazzling solo passages and the sparkling interplay that makes Bach’s music timeless. Shifting to the 20th century, Shostakovich’s 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑆𝑦𝑚𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝐶 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟, 𝑂𝑝. 110𝑎 ,an arrangement of his String Quartet No. 8, takes us into a world of raw emotion and haunting reflection. The music’s recurring personal motif, derived from the composer’s initials, threads through moments of anguish, tenderness, and defiance — a deeply human expression of struggle and resilience. The program concludes with Shostakovich’s 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑆𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 1, a burst of theatrical energy and rhythmic wit that reminds us of his flair for drama and irony.
🎼 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡 (1685–1750)
A master of counterpoint and harmony, Bach’s music bridges intellect and emotion with unmatched grace. From his intricate fugues to his radiant concertos, his work embodies the essence of Baroque artistry. The Musical Offering, composed late in his life, stands as a testament to his genius for transforming simple ideas into transcendent art.
𝐃𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐡 (1906–1975)
A voice of conscience in the Soviet era, Shostakovich poured his inner world into his music — sometimes defiant, sometimes deeply introspective. His Chamber Symphony in C minor is among his most personal works, quoting themes from his own compositions and signed with his musical initials. Through tension and beauty, Shostakovich’s music speaks of endurance, irony, and the unbreakable spirit of creativity.