Conductor Vladimir Jurowski on Mahler, Shostakovich and Russia

Tom meets Vladimir Jurowski, in town to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with which he has a long association. They discuss Vladimir’s mission to perform the complete orchestral works of Mahler, his relationship with his country of birth, Russia, and his appreciation of the music of Shostakovich, which began before he was even born.

Ahead of the concert Daughters of Persia in London this weekend, celebrating the words and music of Persian and Iranian women, Tom hears from the organisers about the story behind the project. He also hears from two of the Iranian women involved: comedian Shaparak ‘Shappi’ Khorsandi and composer Aftab Darvishi.

Tom also celebrates Burns weekend, and, as ever, there’s the best classical music in new and classic recordings, with one or two surprise guests introducing their own releases.