Shostakovathon | Concert 1

Join conductors Craig Lawton and Paul Ingram as they embark on their fifth musical marathon fundraiser at Turner Sims!

Beginning in 2009 with Haydathon, the duo returned in 2015 with Beethovathon, followed by the Orchestral Decathlon in 2017. After a break, and feeling hungry for another challenge, 2024 produced Tchaikathon, which raised the roof!

Craig and Paul are joined by a group of over sixty musicians (with seemingly unlimited amounts of stamina!) drawn from ensembles around the region. They showcase some thrilling and exciting symphonic works by Dimitri Shostakovich. Over three concerts, the orchestra perform some of the composer’s greatest works. Their programme includes the Festive Overture, Symphony No 5 and the Piano Concerto No 2.

Craig and Paul are alumni of University of Southampton, and are based in the City, which is their musical home. They have nominated the Centre for Cancer Immunology as the beneficiary for this project.

Proceeds from Shostakovathon will support the work of the Centre for Cancer Immunology

Opened in spring 2018, the Centre for Cancer Immunology is the UK’s first centre dedicated to cancer immunology research. This centre is run by world-class scientists, researching new, life-saving immunotherapy drugs. These drugs have the potential to treat otherwise untreatable cancers.

Since the centre’s opening, we’ve developed a revolutionary DNA cancer vaccine to encourage the immune system to recognise cancer. We have discovered new ways to identify patients who are twice as likely to die from lung cancer. We have launched a clinical trial to test new immunotherapy treatments for bladder cancer. At the Centre for Cancer Immunology, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cancer research to beat cancer for good.