In 1948 both Prokofiev and Shostakovich were denounced by the Soviet Politburo as cosmopolitan and formalist. Prokofiev's response was a series of overtly patriotic works, including the two performed tonight. Shostakovich's free and expressive First Violin Concerto, written at the time of the denouncement, was not heard in public until 1955, two years after Stalin's death.
Vadim Repin (violin), Lilli Paasikivi (mezzo), New London Children's Choir, London Philharmonic Choir, Philharmonia, conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy

Prokofiev The Meeting of the Volga and the Don, Op 130; On Guard of Peace, Op 124
Shostakovich Violin Concerto No 1