This interview originally aired on In the Moment on SDPB Radio.
One of Soviet-Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich's best-known works is Symphony No. 7. The symphony is a tribute to humanity in a time of brutality. It was crafted during some of the darkest days of World War II and premiered a year into the devastating siege of Leningrad.
Delta David Gier is the music director of the South Dakota Symphony. He is the conductor for the symphony's upcoming performance of Symphony No. 7.
Joseph Horowitz is a cultural historian. He's also the author of the upcoming book, "The Propaganda of Freedom: JFK, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and the Cultural Cold War."
The two classical music experts join In the Moment to discuss the history and art behind Shostakovich's music.
The South Dakota Symphony will perform Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7 on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Pavilion. Gier and Horowitz will host a Q&A session after the event. Learn more.
