| Orchestra or Band | St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra |
| Set List | 'Seventh Symphony', Shostakovich with Film, Georgy Paradzhanov |
| Performance Notes | A unique performance of Dmitry Shostakovich's 'Seventh Symphony' named 'Cinemaphonia' (a unique combination of music and cinema). The concert was organised by the Russian News and Infromation Agnecy 'Novosti' to commemorate the 60th anniversary of VE Day, in 1945. The 'Seventh Symphony' was dedicated to the city of Leningrad (now St. Petersbrug) was was written between 1941-1942 during the Nazi seige of the city. Copiesof the original score were smuggled into Leningrad in 1942 and - in a symoblic act of defiance - the symphony was played in the city before the blockade was broken. Its composition and performance were hailed as a triumph of Soviet spirit in the face of terribel oppression.
A film, directed by Georgy Paradzhanov was screened during the orchestral performance to invoke a visual representation of the four-part symphony - Invasion, Reminiscences, Home Expanses, and Victory. The 'Cinemaphonia' was first performed in The Great Hall of the Philharmonia in St. Petersburg earlier in 2005 on 27 January, provided a powerful historical narrative and comprised rare newsreel from German and Soviet archives. |
| Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/2005/38) |