Concert hits a crescendo in honor of late Russian composer

Following this spirited opening, Wan took the stage for Piano Concerto No 2 in F Major, which Shostakovich composed as a birthday gift for his son. Wan captured the piece's youthful vibrance with great sensitivity. The lively dialogue between piano and orchestra evoked the playful intimacy of father and son.

The second half of the program reached new emotional heights with Symphony No 5 in D Minor. Huang demonstrated a style that combined nuance with explosive energy. The third movement, the Adagio, proved to be the most touching moment of the evening. The flute and harp conjured a tranquil backdrop while the strings built a slow, layered ascent from sorrow to nobility. In the final movement's triumphant frenzy and overwhelming tide, the musicians and composer brought the concert to an unforgettable close.