Signum Records are proud to present the first release in a new series of live orchestral recordings featuring the illustrious St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, led by their chief conductor Yuri Temirkanov. These new recordings have been made possible thanks to the recent refurbishment of their home concert venue, the Grand Philharmonic Hall, allowing many of us to hear for the first time the excitment of the Philharmonic’s performances in their resident city of St Petersberg. This release will be followed later with their live performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No 7 (Leningrad). " The orchestra moved like a singe unit, swelling and surging, natural rubato raising tension, pacing and placing impeccably judged" - The Independent
Performance **** Recording **** George Hall
"Temirkanov brings the dark side of Verdi’s masterpiece to the fore." "...Under Temirkanov, sober respect for text and music is the order of the day. The result is a scrupulously prepared performance that is devout without taint of religiosity, considered but never dull." Richard Osborne