Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony was inspired by his the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, and was a completely new and startling creative direction for the composer. But, midway through its composition, his then running opera, Lady Macbeth of Mtensk, was viciously attacked in the press by Stalin. The radical and truly amazing Shostakovich Fourth would not be heard for 25 years, after the premieres of symphonies 5-12 and the death of Stalin. This fascinating story will be the subject of Maestro Eric's talk at 7:00 pm.