Shostakovich & Khachaturian - Kiron Atom Tellian & Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Khachaturian’s piano concerto and Shostakovich’s ‘Ninth’: Tellian & Tjeknavorian bring it all as swirling as it is infectious With their Armenian roots, conductor Emmanuel Tjeknavorian and pianist Kiron Atom Tellian are cut out for the swirling 'Piano Concerto' with which Khachaturian made his entry into Western music. The composer was inspired by Armenian and Georgian music, parties, and rituals from his youth. Just like Khachaturian, Shostakovich had to compose within the strict lines of the Soviet regime. With his 'Ninth Symphony', he disappointed the leaders, because they had – mindful of Beethoven’s 'Ninth' – expected a grander work. But music connoisseurs were immediately enthusiastic about the short, playful, and at the same time modest symphony. The infectious 'Polovtsian Dances' by Borodin are the ideal closer to this vibrant evening.