All the works in tonight’s programme were written in the Soviet Union between 1973 and 1983, a decade that served as a prelude to what could well be the most significant political sea change in modern history: perestroika. In this turbulent and uncertain period, a new generation of artists who had absorbed a diverse range of modernist trends along with the teachings of the past found their voice. The most outstanding among them was Alfred Schnittke, the most performed and recorded composer of the latter half of the 20th century. Two of his masterpieces are included in tonight’s programme, along with a stirring set of songs by Shostakovitch, On the podium, the ever-imaginative Nikos Vasileiou is joined by two distinguished artists: Ilias Sdoukos and Maria Katsoura.
19:30, free introductory speech for ticket holders