Composing a masterpiece under high, emotional pressure. Dmitri Shostakovich succeeded in doing so with his overwhelming Fifth Symphony. To keep his Soviet tormentors at bay, Shostakovich wrote a composition with powerful patriotic traits. His symphony transcends all earthly concerns and touches the heart and soul. It Residentie Orkest brings a brand new version led by specialist Yutaka Sado.

Shostakovich's Fifth has become the signature piece of the Japanese conductor Yutaka Sado. He has previously performed the work with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tonkünstler-Orchester Wien. As of April 2023, he will be chief conductor of the New Japan Philharmonic.

The raw reality of Shostakovich's symphony contrasts sharply with the free-spirited Piano Concerto No. 4 by compatriot Sergei Rachmaninov. He completed the adventurous, almost jazzy work largely in the free west. Japanese pianist Kyohei Sorita and Yutaka Sado are causing a worldwide furore with their interpretations of Rachmaninov's piano concertos. In 2021, Sorita won second prize at the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition.