Watch: Fire alarm interrupts a performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto no.1

On 24 November, British-German cellist Sophie Kauer performed Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto no.1 alongside the Royal Orchestral Society and conductor Rebecca Miller at the Duke’s Hall in London’s Royal Academy of Music. During the second movement of the concerto the venue’s fire alarm went off, pausing the performance. Coincidentally, a fire alarm had also gone off during their rehearsal the day before. 

Kauer told The Strad about the experience: ’The quick thinking of our conductor [Rebecca Miller] and the audience’s incredible composure turned a potential disruption into a moment of unexpected comedy. It was surreal – especially since it almost exactly mirrored a rehearsal incident just the day before in another venue. Clearly the first movement was on fire! The music paused, but the heat of the performance never really stopped.’

Kauer is known for her role in the 2022 film TÁR, in which she starred alongside Cate Blanchett. She is currently studying at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo with cellist Torleif Thedeén. Recent performance highlights include solo and chamber music performances at the Bach300 Festival in Leipzig alongside Lang Lang, Daniel Hope and Albrecht Meyer; Festspillene in Bergen; the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Düsseldorfer Symphoniker; and recitals as part of the Kalkmølla Kulturstasjon, Blaafarveværket, FRAM and Dextra Musica concert series. 

Video courtesy of Jacob Shaw/Scandinavian Cello School

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