After his monumental Seventh and Eighth, Shostakovich's Ninth should have been the triumphant finale of his three "war symphonies" in 1945.

A paean to victory and Soviet heroism. However, at the premiere, a much shorter, satirical work sounded. Stalin was dismayed. From the brash gallop with a touch of slapstick to inky black melancholy in the harrowing bassoon solos, the Ninth is quintessentially Shostakovich.

In addition, concertmaster Lei Wang will solo in Barber's Violin Concerto - yes, the one with the famous Adagio for Strings! "This is one of the most popular and widely played violin concertos of the 20th century. It has beautiful, profound melodies and a virtuoso finale," Lei said.