The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Either way, the premiere of the Fifth Symphony was an overwhelming success which appealed to both the public – some of whom openly wept during the largo movement – and the Union of Soviet Composer bureaucrats. However, there was official concern at how tumultuous the applause was and whether the 30-minute standing ovation was actually a public condemnation of how the composer was being treated by the Soviet Regime. Shostakovich created a perfect bittersweet balance between joy and sorrow and with its comedic second movement and triumphant finale, it continues to please audiences today and remains one of Shostakovich’s most performed and beloved works.

Before the interval the ensemble will perform Dvorak’s sublime (and symphonically scaled) Cello Concerto in B minor, which was inspired by a trip the composer took to Niagara Falls. When he saw the spectacle, Dvorak exclaimed “now there is a symphony in b minor!” After the first performance, the concerto was dubbed Dvorak’s tenth symphony…but it was a surprise (even to the composer) that he wrote it at all as he previously considered the cello (with its “nasal high register and mumbling bass”) not worthy to warrant a concerto! The soloist, Caleb Wong was a previous winner of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Concerto Aria competition. Caleb continued his studies at Northwestern University in the US and has returned to Melbourne to join the cello section of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. We welcome him back to celebrate his achievements and also to claim his competition prize of performing with The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.