Dmitri Shostakovich - Symphony No. 13, 'Babi Yar' (Gianandrea Noseda)

Information

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich

• Symphony No. 13 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 113, "Babi Yar"

Vitalij Kowaljow, bass

London Philharmonic Choir

London Symphony Chorus

London Symphony Orchestra

Gianandrea Noseda, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: LSO Live

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This live 2023 Barbican Hall recording of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 13 “Babi Yar”, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, delivers a powerful blend of music and moral conviction. Inspired by Yevgeny Yevtushenko’s poem on the Nazi massacre at Babi Yar and expanded to address Soviet oppression and ethical courage, the work unites bass soloist, male chorus, and orchestra in a searing humanist statement. Both protest against antisemitism and reflection on suffering, the symphony is brought vividly to life by Vitalij Kowaljow, the London Symphony Chorus, and the London Philharmonic Choir, offering a stirring performance rooted in truth, conscience, and artistic integrity.

Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda (b. 1964) is acclaimed for his work in both symphonic and operatic repertoire, with a prolific discography. Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra since 2017, he became General Music Director of Opernhaus Zürich in 2021/22, where his tenure includes a new Ring Cycle with Andreas Homoki. He also serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to fostering young talent, Noseda regularly leads masterclasses, tours with youth orchestras such as the European Union Youth Orchestra, and directs the Tsinandali Festival in Georgia alongside its Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra.

High Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz