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Decoding Shostakovich

What does political resistance sound like? Learn the secret messages of resistance that Shostakovich folded into his music and what kept the composer writing — and resisting — in a turbulent time. Yo-Yo Ma, Mitsuko Uchida, and Baiba Skride headline this month-long dive into the orchestral works, films, and chamber music of a profound composer who survived and eventually thrived despite unrelenting political pressure.

Black and white portrait of Dmitri Shostakovich

Explore Shostakovich’s Relationship with the BSO

Explore the decades long relationship that started with Serge Koussevitzky in the 1940s and continues to Andris Nelsons and the BSO today.

Now Available | Shostakovich Box Set

This landmark recording of all of Shostakovich’s work is now available for purchase at Symphony Hall.

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

“Muddle Instead of Music”: Shostakovich and Censorship | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 2, 2025 - 6:00pm

The BYSO Youth Center for Music

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Decoding Shostakovich, Literally | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 9, 2025 - 6:00pm

The BYSO Youth Center for Music

Andris Nelsons conducting

Symphonies Nos. 6 & 11, The Year 1905 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 10, 2025 - 7:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Yo-Yo Ma holding his cello and smiling

Cello Concerto No. 1 with Yo-Yo Ma | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 11, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Music Diplomacy and U.S.-Soviet Cultural Exchanges | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 15, 2025 - 6:00pm

ASEAN Auditorium at The Fletcher School (Tufts University), Medford, MA

Mitsuko Uchida sitting at a piano

Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 17, 2025 - 7:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Mitsuko Uchida sitting at a piano

Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 18, 2025 - 1:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Mitsuko Uchida sitting at a piano

Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 19, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Shostakovich in Soviet Cinema | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 23, 2025 - 6:30pm

Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA

Andris Nelsons conducting

Symphony No. 6 & Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 26, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Andris Nelsons conducting

Symphony No. 6 & Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 27, 2025 - 2:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Judaism in the Soviet Union | Decoding Shostakovich

Apr 30, 2025 - 6:00pm

The Vilna Shul, Boston, MA

Portrait of Baiba Skride holding her violin in front of a black background

Symphony No. 8 & Violin Concerto No. 1 with Baiba Skride | Decoding Shostakovich

May 2, 2025 - 1:30pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Portrait of Baiba Skride holding her violin in front of a black background

Symphony No. 8 & Violin Concerto No. 1 with Baiba Skride | Decoding Shostakovich

May 3, 2025 - 8:00pm

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Dmitri Shostakovich as a young man

Form and Function: The Legacy of Brutalism | Decoding Shostakovich

May 7, 2025 - 6:00pm

Boston City Hall, Lobby, Boston, MA