Presented by Murray River Fine Music . Composer and pianist Shostakovich lived under the constant threat and reality of authoritarian regimes - keeping a packed suitcase under the stairs in case he got a knock on the door in the middle of the night. His music was subversive, characterised by sharp contrasts, elements of the grotesque and ambivalent tonality. On the other side was his quirky humour, making him a man of great contrasts. Experience both sides of his genius in this brilliant program performed by Orpheus Trio, with special guest artists Merlyn Quaife (soprano), Markiyan Melnychenko (violin) and Simon Oswell (viola). Program: Piano Trio No. 1 in C minor, Op.8 Seven Romances on Poems of Alexander Blok Op. 127 Piano Quintet in G minor, Op.57