On 24 October the Grand Hall of the St Petersburg Philharmonic presents Sofia Gubaidulina's Third Violin Concerto "Dialogue: I and Thou." Gubaidulina is one of the world's most celebrated living composers, and hearing her work in the city where she studied is a rare occasion.
About the piece
"Dialogue: I and Thou" pits a solo violin against a full orchestra — a title borrowed from Martin Buber's philosophy of encounter. The music is intense, quiet by turns, and demands attention. Programme notes handed out in the hall help, but the emotional arc carries you even without background knowledge.
Tickets and timing
Buy online on the Philharmonic website or at the box office. Contemporary programmes sell more slowly than Tchaikovsky evenings, but the best seats still go fast. Check the website for the exact start time.
Getting there
The Philharmonic stands on Arts Square (Ploshchad Iskusstv). Walk from Nevsky Prospekt or Gostiny Dvor metro along Mikhailovskaya Street — under ten minutes. There is no parking nearby; use public transport or a taxi.
Who should skip it
Anyone expecting a traditional romantic concert. Gubaidulina writes in a modern idiom — sharp sonorities, silences, tension. If contemporary classical music makes you restless, pick a different evening. The performance also requires silence in the hall, so young children are not ideal companions.
Nearby
Arts Square, the Russian Museum, the Mikhailovsky Garden and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood are all within walking distance. To plan a full cultural route, you can choose an excursion through the city centre in advance.
Good to know
Arrive at least twenty minutes before the start so you can leave your coat at the cloakroom, find your seat and read the programme notes without rushing. The dress code is relaxed, though many regulars choose smart clothes. Switch your phone off completely, and hold your applause until the audience around you begins. Seats in the middle of the hall give the most balanced sound for a piece with a solo violin. Afterwards, Mikhailovskaya Street has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can talk the music over.
Verified 23 October 2026
Cover photo: David Osipov 0000 0005 1802 960X 0009-0005-2713-9242, CC BY 4.0, Викисклад
