Loading Events

« All Events

Kluxen – Shostakovich Leningrad Symphony

9 May 2027 @ 2:30 pm

Shostakovich’s monumental Seventh Symphony was composed in 1942 during the brutal Nazi siege of Leningrad, as the composer refused evacuation and wrote from the besieged city. Its historic performance by the starving musicians of Leningrad, broadcast across the city, became a symbol of defiance against totalitarianism. Later smuggled to New York, the work caused a sensation under Toscanini. Scored for a very large orchestra, this multi-layered symphony questions whether Shostakovich’s dedication refers to the city besieged by the Nazis or the one he reportedly said “Stalin destroyed and Hitler simply finished off.” What remains clear is its powerful portrayal of fascism and the triumph of the human spirit.

Christian Kluxen, conductor

Now in his tenth season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony in Canada, Christian Kluxen is also in his fourth season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, following a five-year tenure as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Philharmonic in Norway.

Kluxen has been described in the press as “a dynamic, charismatic figure” who “forms the music with an impressive vertical power of emotion and a focus on the grand form”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth”. He is recognized for his sincere and transparent leadership, innovative programming and his bold, imaginative and energetic interpretations, showcased both in his MD and guest work.

Alongside his many and varied commitments with the Victoria Symphony and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, recent and forthcoming guest engagements include Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Pacific Symphony, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Odense Symphony, and Norrköping Symphony. A fruitful and inspiring relationship with the Arctic Philharmonic, whom Kluxen led for five years as Chief Conductor, resulted in numerous exhilarating performances of a wide variety of repertoire, as well as several acclaimed recordings.

Dmitri Shostakovich (1906—1975)
Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60 (“Leningrad”)
I. Allegretto
II. Moderato (poco allegretto)
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro non troppo

Details

Venue

  • Royal Theatre
  • 805 Broughton St + Google Map
  • Phone 250.386.6121

Concert Credits

Concert Programme

  • Shostakovich
    Symphony No. 7 in C major (“Leningrad”)

Supporters

Victoria Symphony respectfully acknowledges and offers gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, whose unceded lands we live, work, and perform on. We honour their stewardship, care, and leadership — past, present, and future.