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If you love deep, dark, brooding Russian works, this piece is for you! On Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 you’ll hear an intimidating work on display. It’s relentlessly aggressive string passages guide you to an ultimately spritely and tremendous brass-heavy ending.

Preview both pieces performed on this program, below on Spotify:

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, "Emperor"
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 11 in G major, Op. 103, "The Year 1905"

Roll over Beethoven: the Colorado Symphony has corralled electrifying pianist Zhang Zuo (“Zee Zee”) to perform the composer’s vigorous and demanding Piano Concerto No. 5. Zee Zee, dubbed “full of enthusiasm and glamour, radiating the vigor of youth” by Chinese Gramophone, is just the firebrand to live up to the wiles of the majestic “Emperor” concerto. Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Litton will lead the orchestra in Shostakovich’s massive, volatile Symphony No. 11 — a powerful piece full of moody contrasts — for a night of explosive and energizing masterworks.

The running time of this performance is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. This includes one 20-minute intermission.

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Andrew Litton, conductor
Zhang Zuo, piano

Boettcher Concert Hall is located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 14th and Curtis Streets in the heart of downtown Denver. It's easy to find and there are two large parking garages to the east and west of Boettcher. There are often multiple performances happening at DPAC at the same time, which leads to traffic congestion and lines to get into the parking garages. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to DPAC—we don't want you to miss any of the music!

Find directions, a map, garage information, construction updates, and more here:

Transportation & Parking

Have questions about what to wear, when to clap, or if you can bring the kids? Check our Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see the answer to your question, feel free to contact Rob Warner, Colorado Symphony Concierge, by concierge@coloradosymphony.org, or call the Box Office at 303.623.7876.

Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto No. 5
This weekend's performances feature a Prelude Lecture with Betsy Schwarm. On Saturday only, enjoy a Talkback with Conductor Andrew Litton & Pianist Zhang Zuo.

Preludes
Join Us Before Each Classics Performance!
Join your Colorado Symphony for preludes; pre-concert events to enhance your experience! Preludes take place at 6:30 p.m. (FRI & SAT) and 12 p.m. (SUN) in Boettcher Concert Hall, before every Classics performance, and are included with your concert ticket.

Prelude Lectures: Classical music author and historian Betsy Schwarm will share information about the composers and pieces on the program. Ms. Schwarm is a celebrated Denver icon. Catch her in action before hearing your Colorado Symphony!  

Prelude Musician Highlights: Ever wonder what your Colorado Symphony musicians think about the music? Come find out! Violist Phillip Stevens hosts an informal Q&A featuring additional Colorado Symphony musicians who are delighted to share their unique point of view on the composers and pieces you'll be hearing.  

Prelude Workshops: Be ready to participate! Take your mind, body, and spirit to a deeper listening plane with Catherine Beeson, Assistant Principal Violist and Director of Community Education Programs for your Colorado Symphony. Catherine will guide you to an internal understanding of the music you'll be hearing by encouraging your super powers of inquiry, observation and application.

Talkbacks*
Immediately following select Classics performances, enjoy a special 15-minute, post-concert discussion with the guest artist or conductor. Talkbacks take place in Boettcher Concert Hall and are included with your concert ticket.

*Subject to change, and to guest artist/conductor availability.