Even in politically difficult times, composer Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975) is said to remain a unifying force between Russia and music lovers abroad. “His music, with its deep emotions and often cryptic messages, is now understood all over the world. It is a universal part of world cultural heritage that bears witness to the horrors of the Soviet era, but also reflects events in today’s world,” Tobias Niederschlag, artistic director of the International Shostakovich Days in Gohrisch, told the German Press Agency.
Gohrisch plays an important role in the reception of Shostakovich’s work
“I believe that the Shostakovich Days have come to play a key role in the reception of the composer,” emphasized Niederschlag. Contact with the Shostakovich Archive in Moscow, with Chief Archivist Olga Digonskaya, and with the composer’s widow has never been severed, despite the difficult circumstances. “We are expecting Olga Digonskaja to join us again this year at our festival, to which she has repeatedly entrusted previously unknown works by Shostakovich for their first performances and even world premieres.”
Festival aims to shed light on Shostakovich from various perspectives
“When putting together the program, it is important to me that we explore Shostakovich from various perspectives and continually reexamine his work,” explained Niederschlag. This year, the festival is part of the Year of Jewish Culture. Of particular interest should be the encounter with the work of the Belarusian composer Lev Abeliotvich (1912–1985), who, like the composer Mieczysław Weinberg, lost his entire family in the Holocaust and later belonged to the Moscow circle around Shostakovich for several years. His music is completely unknown in this country: “Hopefully, that will change after three European premieres at our festival.”
Shostakovich is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. He left behind a diverse body of work comprising 15 symphonies, instrumental concertos, operas, film scores, vocal works, and chamber music. His works are an integral part of the global concert scene. He stayed twice in Gohrisch, where a guest house belonging to the GDR government was located.
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