Markus Poschner conducts Strauss' A Hero's Life

OVERVIEW

Richard Strauss casts himself as the protagonist in A Hero’s Life, an epic autobiographical tone poem from 1898. Bold and notoriously difficult, the work depicts the hero’s battles, critics, love story, and victories—yet, rather than ending in a blaze of glory, Strauss closes his saga with a serene and reflective retreat as his hero steps away from the world, content with his legacy.

Begin this reflective exploration with Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Composed in secret during 1947-48 and hidden until after Stalin’s death, this defiant piece challenged his oppressive regime; today, it continues to stand as one of the most challenging violin concertos in the repertoire—both for the soloist and the orchestra. Violinist Vadim Gluzman performs its dark, brooding themes with technical prowess that will leave you in awe.

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ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Join us for a pre-concert discussion about the evening’s program, led by Assistant Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba in conversation with Music Director Designate Markus Poschner. The event begins 45 minutes before the performance in the First Tier Room.

PROGRAM

SHOSTAKOVICH: Violin Concerto No. 1
R. STRAUSS: A Hero’s Life (Ein Heldenleben)

ARTISTS

Markus Poschner
conductor

Vadim Gluzman
violin

Utah Symphony