“I am a pupil of Shostakovich. Although I have never had lessons from him, I count myself as his pupil, as his flesh and blood.”
— Mieczyslaw Weinberg

One of the most intriguing friendships in music history existed between Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) and Mieczyslaw Weinberg (1919-1996). What began as a teacher-pupil relationship blossomed into 30 years of deep friendship, mutual respect, and rich exchange of ideas: a true musical and artistic dialogue. 

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the death of Weinberg and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Shostakovich, the Eastman School of Music invites you to Rochester for a weekend that will bring the lives and music of these men together once again.

From September 13-17, 2006, Eastman faculty musicians and guest artists – several of whom knew both Shostakovich and Weinberg – will perform in concerts devoted to the chamber music of both composers. The Shostakovich selections include some of his best-known works; most of Weinberg’s music will be completely new to American audiences. The concerts are complemented by lectures and discussion by some of the world’s leading scholars of Russian music.

In a year of numerous events observing the Shostakovich centenary, this conference offers a unique, intimate look at this seminal 20th-century composer, and a chance to discover the music of one of his great friends and colleagues.