In 1936, Russian composer Shostakovich was denounced in an editorial in the Communist newspaper Pravda. The article marked the beginning of political oppression on artistic expression in the Soviet Union during the era of Joseph Stalin.

Shadow of Stalin

To explore that repressive era, the Los Angeles Philharmonic has dedicated an entire series of performances to that period via "progressive exploration of sounds, sights, and philosophies of the Stalin era." The series is called Shadow of Stalin and largely features classical performances of works by Shostakovich and other composers at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

But the series also features two decidedly nontraditional events, as the LA Phil has turned to some of the stars of the electronic and indie hip-hop scenes.

On May 24, indie-gypsy-folk band DeVotchka will team with spoken word artist Saul Williams to "explore the compelling and controversial underground musical movement known as the Russian Chanson."

Two days later, Amon Tobin, Cut Chemist, DJ Spooky, and J-Rocc will come together for Pravda, a multimedia event tackling the music of that era. The artists will collaborate to remix the music of Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Mosolov, accompanied by footage from iconic Russian films and live onstage painting by Norton Wisdom, as well as a mobile video projection provided by MC This.

Pravda will also include a midnight performance led by German pipe-organist Christoph Bull, who will be accompanied by a 10-piece Theremin Orchestra. The performance is a re-creation of Leon Theremin's 1932 concert at New York's Carnegie Hall and a birthday tribute to synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog, who died in 2005.

Tickets prices range from $30 to $50 and are available through LAPhil.com.