Aurora Orchestra Performs Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony at the Proms
The Aurora Orchestra returns to the Proms on Sunday, 17 August 2025, with a memorised performance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. The concert is broadcast live on BBC Four at 8:00 PM and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death.
Innovative Stage Production
Under the baton of Nicholas Collon, the ensemble will be joined by actors who provide narrative and historical context, weaving spoken elements into the musical performance. This staging aims to illuminate the symphony’s dramatic arc and inner tensions.
Context and Significance
Composed amid the pressures of Stalinist Russia, Shostakovich’s Fifth has long been read as a work of coded resistance. This production seeks to examine the piece from within, emphasising its emotional complexity and political resonance.
Unique Performance Approach
Playing from memory is central to Aurora’s approach, allowing musicians greater immediacy and interaction. That intimacy helps create a more immersive experience for listeners and viewers alike.