Dedicated to Ivan Tasovac

Long-serving director of the Belgrade Philharmonic, Ivan Tasovac brought a wave of transformation and innovation in each segment of institutional life upon his arrival in 2001, successfully reestablishing the orchestra’s presence on the international classical music scene. In the very first years of his tenure, the old Philharmonic building was reconstructed, a large part of the orchestra received new instruments, and the ensemble was significantly rejuvenated. This period of rapid revitalization under Tasovac’s leadership was crowned with a historic first-ever tour of the USA in 2014.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is a quintessential example of the composer’s sharp, ironic voice. Departing from the grand Romantic tradition of his predecessors, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich blends classical form with elements of folk and popular music. The work abounds in quotations and musical parodies, drawing on Haydn and Beethoven, the composer’s own works, and even street music, resulting in a collage-like concerto, marked by striking contrasts and rapid shifts in mood.

Making his debut with our orchestra, the work is performed by Alexander Malofeev, a leading figure of the newest generation of piano virtuosos. He is joined on stage by Jovan Savić, principal trumpet of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, playing a prominent solo role.

The program opens with the explosive Overture by Vasilije Mokranjac and is rounded out by one of the most significant works of the 20th century, sharing a kindred expressive intensity. The second half features The Rite of Spring, Igor Stravinsky’s once-controversial ballet – a concert not to be missed.