Forever a musical symbol of unyielding defance and heroic resistance, Shostakovich’s 7th Symphony was played on loudspeakers to the people of Leningrad during the German Army’s prolonged siege. Trapped with his family, the composer fnished the symphony between bombardments and the work became synonymous with the city’s powerful instinct to endure disaster, and survive.

Tonight’s concert, full of resonance for Christchurch, is led by Vasily Petrenko — the Russian-born star conductor of the Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — who brings deep understanding and passion to the programme.

Michael Houstoun guests on Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.4, a late work where romanticism and modernity meet.