This DSO program features three works whose sound can certainly be understood within their respective political contexts.

Sergei Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto from the 1930s clearly reflects his characteristic pursuit of a “new simplicity” during those years. John Williams’ composition for Steven Spielberg’s film about Oskar captures the cruelty of the crimes committed by the Nazis as well as the fear and tender solidarity among the Jewish protagonists. Thomas Larcher dedicated his Second Symphony, “Kenotaph,” to the thousands upon thousands of refugees who drowned in the Mediterranean.