Dimitri Shostakovich. An example of what some argue is arts inability to flourish without freedom? Or was he a brilliant political rebel forced into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Joseph Stalin himself. To find the answer for yourself, you need to listen to the music of Shostakovich and get into the mind and motivations of the Russian composer. We asked the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra music director, Delta David Gier, to do a little digging through the music for us. He joined us to tell us more about this weekend’s concert featuring the music of Shostakovich, along with dramatic readings from Joe Horowitz, an award-winning expert on music and history.

There’s never been a better time to become a friend of the South Dakota Symphony by donating today! Your tax-deductible gift is critical for continuing orchestra concerts, music education programs and impactful community building programs. You can also support the symphony by purchasing season tickets as a gift for yourself, or someone you know who would love the music of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Season tickets are available through the Washington Pavilion Box Office and online at sdsymphony.org.