Philharmonic of Shostakovich: history, poster, art director

The Shostakovich Philharmonic (St. Petersburg) became the center of the musical life of the city in the first half of the 19th century. Today you can listen to concerts, visit meetings and lectures.

History

The Philharmonic of Shostakovich (St. Petersburg) exists since 1921. The first director was Conductor E. Cooper. In a very short period the philharmonic society launched a large-scale activity.

The repertoire of concerts gradually expanded. First it included works of domestic and foreign classics. Then the masterpieces of the outstanding composers of the 20th century were added.

The building, where the big Philharmonic Hall is now located. Shostakovich, was built in 1839 for the Noble Assembly. His acoustics are excellent. The capacity of the hall is 1500 spectators. He is considered one of the best in Europe. To perform in this hall is prestigious and honorable. Throughout the years of the Philharmonic's existence, the best musicians, composers, conductors, orchestras and vocalists of the world performed concerts here.

In 2021 a hundred-year anniversary will be celebrated. To this significant date for the Philharmonic, an electronic encyclopedia dedicated to its history is planned.

Small hall

The Philharmonic Society of Shostakovich today has not only the Great, but also the Small Hall. It bears the name of Mikhail Glinka. This hall has a unique acoustics. The building in which it is located, was built in the 18th century by the design of B. Rastrelli. At first it was a mansion, owned by princely families. There were masquerades, balls and home concerts. In the 19th century the house was rebuilt, in it was opened the music room of Mrs. Engelhardt. His visitors were famous composers, poets, musicians, actors and even the royal family.

The opening of the Small Philharmonic Hall was held in 1949.

Poster

The Shostakovich Philharmonic offers its listeners the following concerts:

• "From baroque and almost to rock."
• "Spring, Music, Victory."
• "The first concert, the first love"
• "Petersburg motives".
• "Russian waltz from Glinka to Petrov."
• "Neil Hefty and his music."
• "All symphonies of Karl Nielsen."
• "Petersburg composers tell tales."
• "Music of meanings".
• "Masterpieces of the Baroque".
• "The Battle of Pianists."
• "The first among the dances."
• "Songs of War."
• "Evening of chamber music".
• "All the piano sonatas of Prokofiev" and many others.

Projects

The Shostakovich Philharmonic organizes several music projects.

Among them:

• International festival "Square of Arts".
• Concerts in the foyer.
• International festival "Music collection".
• Lectures and meetings before the concert.
• "The Magic Airship".

Concerts in the foyer are held once a month. You can visit them for free. Here the musicians perform chamber music and talk about them. To get to such an event, you must show a ticket to any other concert of the Philharmonic.

Lectures and meetings take place in basements intended for such purposes. Visit such an event on the same conditions as the concerts in the foyer.

"Magic Airship" is a social project for orphans, boys and girls with disabilities, pupils of boarding schools and orphanages, as well as rehabilitation centers. Within the framework of these students, off-site master classes and classes are held, which will enable them to get an idea of life, to adapt to society, to develop their abilities.

Orchestras

With the Philharmonic, there are two world-famous symphony orchestras. The first of these exists since the tsarist times. It was created in 1882 by decree of Emperor Alexander III. In 1917 the collective received the status of state. Today the orchestra's repertoire includes not only classical music, but also works of contemporary composers. In 1934 the collective was awarded the title "Honored". The orchestra is among the top 20 in the world. Since 1988 and to this day his main conductor and artistic director is Yury Temirkanov.

The second symphony orchestra with the Philharmonic exists since 1931. His musicians worked for many years on the air of the Leningrad radio. Their repertoire was varied. During the blockade, the orchestra remained the only musical collective that did not leave the city. From 1968 to 1977, his artistic director was Yu. Temirkanov. Since 1977 until now the orchestra is headed by conductor Alexander Dmitriev.

Artistic director

The Shostakovich Philharmonic now lives under the leadership of Yuri Temirkanov. This is one of the best conductors in the world. While still a graduate student at the Conservatory, he became the winner of the All-Union Competition. At the age of 29 he stood behind the console of his own symphony orchestra.

The best collectives of the world cooperate with Yu. Temirkanov. Thanks to him, the revival of the Mariinsky Theater began, the artistic director of which was from 1976 to 1988.

Critics consider Yury Temirkanov's orchestra to be one of the best in the world and the national treasure of our country.

The musicians toured to different countries and participated in prestigious festivals.

Y. Temirkanov is a People's Artist of the USSR, a winner of a huge number of awards, a winner of innumerable awards, medals, diplomas, titles, etc.

How to get there

In the heart of St. Petersburg is the Shostakovich Philharmonic. Address of the Great Hall - Mikhailovskaya Street, house number 2. The nearest metro station is Nevsky Prospekt. From it to the hall 3 minutes walk. The entrance to the Philharmonic Hall is located on the side of the Arts Square. The small hall is located on Nevsky Prospekt, in the house with number 30. It is most convenient to take the metro to the station with the same name.