Shostakovich Piano Trio Op. 67: A Composer’s Response to the Holocaust

Dmitri Shostakovich composed his poignant Piano Trio Op. 67 in 1944, a time of immense fear and oppression under Joseph Stalin’s regime. Performed in the shadow of Stalin’s suppression of Jewish culture and amidst the first Soviet reports of Holocaust atrocities, the piece transcends its era, serving as both a personal tribute and a defiant cry against tyranny.

On Sunday, April 6th, 2025, at 4:00 PM, the Piano Trio Op. 67, a special performance with historical insights, will take place in the Reiland Fine Arts Building lobby at the University of Jamestown. The event is free and open to the public.

The concert will feature Assistant Professor John Clodfelter (University of Jamestown) on piano, violinist Laura Prokopyk (Bismarck State College, Concertmaster of the Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra), and Dr. Erik Anderson (Full Professor and Chair of the Division at Minot State University) on cello. In addition to the performance, the event will include commentary contextualizing the piece in relation to the Holocaust and the sociopolitical climate of the Soviet Union under Stalin.

Composed during an era when Stalin’s policies suppressed Jewish music, art, and culture, Shostakovich’s Piano Trio Op. 67 was dedicated to his close friend and musicologist Ivan Sollertinsky, who had recently passed away. Although Shostakovich never explicitly revealed the work’s meaning, its emotional depth and defiant undercurrents reflect both personal loss and the broader suffering of oppressed peoples. The trio survived four years under Stalin’s censorship before being banned altogether, like much of Shostakovich’s work, under the label of “formalist” art—a term Stalin wielded against artists who dared to challenge the state’s narrative. This performance offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience of art and its power to endure in the face of oppression.

The concert is scheduled the same week as a special event at UJ where the university is hosting scholars affiliated with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Physical and Social Places of Exclusion in Nazi Germany and the Great Plains.

Laura Prokopyk (Violin)

Laura Prokopyk is an accomplished violinist and educator, teaching strings at Bismarck State College and serving as Concertmaster of the Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra. Her distinguished career includes recording contemporary classical works with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony and teaching at prestigious institutions such as the Meadowmount School of Music and the International Peace Garden Music Camp. A passionate advocate for chamber music, she brings her extensive experience to this performance.

Dr. Erik Anderson (Cello)

Dr. Erik Anderson is a versatile musician known for his engaging approach to performance and education. As a cellist, conductor, and educator, he has performed and taught across the United States and Europe. A dedicated advocate of J.S. Bach’s works, Dr. Anderson has also explored contemporary compositions, including works written by his son. He is a founding member of the Luminus Piano Trio and serves as Chair of the Division of Music at Minot State University.

John Clodfelter (Piano)

Assistant Professor of Piano and Piano-Arts at the University of Jamestown, John Clodfelter is a collaborative pianist with extensive experience in German and French Art Song literature. His career spans decades, including collaborations with renowned artists such as Thomas Hampson and Elly Ameling. He is a passionate educator and performer, bringing his expertise in music history and piano performance to this event.

This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience Shostakovich’s Piano Trio Op. 67 in its historical and emotional context. By blending music with a discussion of its cultural and historical significance, the event highlights the enduring power of art to speak truth and resilience even in the darkest times. Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking performance. For more information, please contact John Clodfelter at john.clodfelter@uj.edu or 701-252-3467 ext. 5543.

About University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.