In July, Orquestra XXI will stage a tour for large orchestra dedicated to Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. Written during a critical period, when the composer was facing the hostility of Stalin, this powerful piece was received with enormous enthusiasm, becoming one of the most celebrated orchestral pieces. This programme will also pay homage to another great figure of the 20th century, with a performance of the Four Last Songs for soprano and orchestra by Richard Strauss. Opening this series of concerts, with musical direction by Dinis Sousa, Orquestra XXI will premiere Ciprés by the Portuguese composer Andreia Pinto Correia, currently based in the United States.