These performances begin with an informative multimedia first half that takes the audience back in time to World War II in Soviet Russia. During the war, the Russian composer played a significant role in arousing a heroic, patriotic sentiment among his fellow countrymen. Prokofiev composed a majestic masterpiece to echo this emotion, a work that he himself described as “a hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit.”

The first half presents the story behind the music with dramatic visuals on a giant screen, plus four actors depicting Prokofiev, Soviet wartime officials, historians and other period characters. After intermission, the Fifth Symphony will be played in its entirety without interruption.