English Sinfonia Autumn Concert, featuring Viktoria Postnikova

Legendary Russian pianist Viktoria Postnikova makes a rare appearance in London playing Schnittke's Concerto for Piano and Strings, in a programme inspired by Shostakovich and his heirs. The outstanding English Sinfonia will perform Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony (op 110a), one of the most important works of the twentieth century. Vibrant, theatrical, hypnotic and catastrophic, it represents Shostakovich's personal and semi-autobiographical response to the repression of the communist regime under which he suffered. In contrast, Shostakovich's richly warm "Gadfly" theme illustrates his persevering optimism, exuberance and generosity of spirit. The Sinfonia will also play Arvo Pärt's Fratres; inspired by his monastic withdrawal from the crushing censorship of the Soviet regime. Its purity and contemplative response contrasts with the violence and despair of Shostakovich's work.

Rachael Young, the inspiring conductor, has constructed this compelling programme. She is drawn to music that is dramatically and psychologically charged and this programme has these qualities in abundance. A pupil of revered Russian maestro, Leonard Grin, she is well placed to unlock the powerful messages of this special evening.