Australian Chamber Orchestra/Richard Tognetti

With a zany finale that takes no hostages Shostakovich’s shape-shifting double concerto is a work whose tongue-in-cheekery makes co-conspirators of Haydn, Beethoven, music hall, and jazz. It’s worlds away from the harrowing String Quartet No 8 he confessed to writing with tears streaming down his cheeks. Re-purposed as the Chamber Symphony Op 110a, it’s complimented by Gubaidulina’s own quartet arrangement that asks, 'what’s in a name?'

It's not just an anniversary year for Shostakovich. Renowned for boundary-busting collaborations and enterprising programming the ACO notches up its half century. ‘Fabulous alertness and taut ensemble… is there a better Chamber Orchestra in the world?’ asks The Guardian. They’re joined tonight by pianist Alexander Melnikov who ‘shows us why he is the go-to man for Shostakovich’ (Limelight Magazine).