Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony oscillates between the brutality of war and the indomitable spark of humanity. Though the composer described the work as a wartime requiem and the score is infused with deep sadness, he also said of it that “life is beautiful. All that is dark and depressing will disappear, depart, and the beautiful will reign.” The St. Louis Symphony Chorus also presents beauty with visionary musical psalm settings by Felix Mendelssohn and Igor Stravinsky in this first performance of their 50th anniversary season.

slso.org/event/shostakovichs-eighth-beauty-in-darkness/

David Afkham, conductor
St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director

Felix Mendelssohn Psalm 114 (When Israel out of Egypt Came), Op. 51
Igor Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms
Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 8