135th anniversary of the Russian and Soviet composer Sergei Prokofiev

120th anniversary of the Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich

Language: Russian/French

In 2026, we celebrate the anniversaries of two titans of 20th-century Russian music — Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich. Their work, uniting deep traditions with bold innovative exploration, became a symbol of an era and continues to move listeners around the world.

The musical lecture will be given by Maestro Andrei Shevchuk, well known to audiences of the Russian House — a symphonic conductor and choirmaster who has worked for more than twenty years with orchestras and choirs in France, Belgium, Germany, and Russia. His profound understanding of the Russian musical school and rich experience will offer a fresh look at the composers’ works, reveal their connection with history and culture, and immerse the audience in an astonishing world of music filled with daring experimentation and deep emotional expressiveness.

During the lecture you will learn how these geniuses overcame creative challenges, how their music reflected the dramatic events of the 20th century and largely defined its sound, leaving an indelible mark on world culture.

From early experiments to recognized masterpieces, from personal tragedies to triumphant success of two great composers — this musical evening promises to be informative and inspiring.