Concerts with works by

Gustav Mahler

Sir Donald with Mahler

When Beethoven wrote his Fifth and final piano concerto in 1809, Vienna was besieged by Napoleon's troops. The sounds of war and economic uncertainty – his patron Archduke Rudolf had left the city – influenced the creation of the work. Beethoven composed a piano concerto with an exceptionally new form for the time, in which the soloist alternates between heroic and peaceful moments. Despite the difficult circumstances, the work does not reflect fatalism, but rather a solemn struggle for freedom and against oppression. Gustav Mahler's First Symphony also reflects intense personal experiences. His unhappy love for the singer Johanna Richter inspired him to create the "Songs of a Wayfarer," from which he incorporated motifs into the first and third movements of the symphony. In an emotional state of exception, Mahler completed the symphony in just six weeks. The premiere in Budapest in 1889 was met with incomprehension, prompting Mahler to revise the work multiple times. Today, it is among his most frequently performed symphonies.

Easter Festival Baden-Baden 2025

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra / Klaus Mäkelä

There are few orchestras that can boast as long a Mahler tradition as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from Amsterdam. Even during Gustav Mahler’s lifetime, the orchestra regularly performed his symphonies and helped the composer achieve the fame he enjoys to this day. Klaus Mäkelä, who takes over as the orchestra’s chief conductor in 2027, continues this tradition with a performance of Mahler’s First Symphony. The composer wrote about his work: »It has become so overpowering – it flowed out of me like a mountain stream!« Also on the programme is Arnold Schönberg’s early work »Verklärte Nacht« for string orchestra, based on Richard Dehmel’s poem of the same name. Before Schönberg climbed to the top of the avant-garde and shocked the music world with his twelve-tone music, he wrote deeply Romantic pieces in his younger years, in which he endeavoured to unite the styles of Wagner and Brahms.

Jakub Hrůša, Konstantin Krimmel

»Mahler is a must!« That was absolutely clear to Jakub Hrůša when our journey together began in 2016 – as his late Romantic music is »genetically very close« to both him and ourselves. We have already performed five of his symphonies together in recent years. This programme includes the enchanting »Blumine« movement, which Mahler erased from his autobiographical first symphony and described himself as a »blissful infatuation«: he wrote it in 1884 as a young conductor when he had a crush on a soprano. However, his affection was not returned – and a year later, the »Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen« (»Songs of a Travelling Companion«) emerged from his emotional misery. Together with Konstantin Krimmel, we embark on the restless wanderings of the lovesick artist. After that we say: Not only Mahler is a must. For some time now, Jakub Hrůša has also been working more intensively on Bruckner, as he has recognised that only an orchestra that »really loves this music enough« will be able to make it work. He described the phase in which we immersed ourselves in the Symphony No. 4 in the 2018/2019 season as a »blissful experience with Bruckner« – and it was deepened even further: In the 2020 pandemic, we recorded our Chief Conductor’s personal take on all three versions of the work for a phenomenal and award-winning recording. In this programme, the »Romantic« is performed in the 1878/1880 version – first in Bamberg, as is traditional, of course. Then we will once again become »travelling companions« ourselves and present the works in two of the best halls in Europe: in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and (for the 10th time already!) in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie – where we have come to love and appreciate the inspiring acoustics.

Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg

The Jewish spring festival of Passover is not only a religious festival, but above all a cultural event that celebrates renewal and freedom. In keeping with this, the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg (JCOHH) is opening its new concert series »BÜSCHEN MESCHUGGE« under the motto »Hope. Blossom. A new beginning.«

On tour with Petr Popelka

Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg

The Jewish spring festival of Passover is not only a religious festival, but above all a cultural event that celebrates renewal and freedom. In keeping with this, the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Hamburg (JCOHH) is opening its new concert series »BÜSCHEN MESCHUGGE« under the motto »Hope. Blossom. A new beginning.«

On Tour: Concertgebouw Amsterdam

»Mahler is a must!« That was absolutely clear to Jakub Hrůša when our journey together began in 2016 – as his late Romantic music is »genetically very close« to both him and ourselves. We have already performed five of his symphonies together in recent years. This programme includes the enchanting »Blumine« movement, which Mahler erased from his autobiographical first symphony and described himself as a »blissful infatuation«: he wrote it in 1884 as a young conductor when he had a crush on a soprano. However, his affection was not returned – and a year later, the »Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen« (»Songs of a Travelling Companion«) emerged from his emotional misery. Together with Konstantin Krimmel, we embark on the restless wanderings of the lovesick artist. After that we say: Not only Mahler is a must. For some time now, Jakub Hrůša has also been working more intensively on Bruckner, as he has recognised that only an orchestra that »really loves this music enough« will be able to make it work. He described the phase in which we immersed ourselves in the Symphony No. 4 in the 2018/2019 season as a »blissful experience with Bruckner« – and it was deepened even further: In the 2020 pandemic, we recorded our Chief Conductor’s personal take on all three versions of the work for a phenomenal and award-winning recording. In this programme, the »Romantic« is performed in the 1878/1880 version – first in Bamberg, as is traditional, of course. Then we will once again become »travelling companions« ourselves and present the works in two of the best halls in Europe: in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and (for the 10th time already!) in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie – where we have come to love and appreciate the inspiring acoustics.

Mahler's Unfinished

For many, thirteen is an unlucky number. But for composers, it is rather the number ten, because starting with Beethoven, many were able to complete a ninth symphony, but died before finishing their tenth or didn't dare to begin it at all. Like Mahler, who sketched his Tenth Symphony but had to leave it unfinished. However, even though he did not complete it, the sorrow, pain, and deeply felt anguish in this music remains one of the most moving pieces one can hear in a concert. On the other hand, Shostakovich composed fifteen symphonies, but his Fourth was not heard for decades. The blame lay with Stalin, who put so much pressure on the composer that he withdrew his work. The communist regime found the drastic way in which the composer expressed the horrors of the terror regime to be too dangerous.

On Tour: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

»Mahler is a must!« That was absolutely clear to Jakub Hrůša when our journey together began in 2016 – as his late Romantic music is »genetically very close« to both him and ourselves. We have already performed five of his symphonies together in recent years. This programme includes the enchanting »Blumine« movement, which Mahler erased from his autobiographical first symphony and described himself as a »blissful infatuation«: he wrote it in 1884 as a young conductor when he had a crush on a soprano. However, his affection was not returned – and a year later, the »Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen« (»Songs of a Travelling Companion«) emerged from his emotional misery. Together with Konstantin Krimmel, we embark on the restless wanderings of the lovesick artist. After that we say: Not only Mahler is a must. For some time now, Jakub Hrůša has also been working more intensively on Bruckner, as he has recognised that only an orchestra that »really loves this music enough« will be able to make it work. He described the phase in which we immersed ourselves in the Symphony No. 4 in the 2018/2019 season as a »blissful experience with Bruckner« – and it was deepened even further: In the 2020 pandemic, we recorded our Chief Conductor’s personal take on all three versions of the work for a phenomenal and award-winning recording. In this programme, the »Romantic« is performed in the 1878/1880 version – first in Bamberg, as is traditional, of course. Then we will once again become »travelling companions« ourselves and present the works in two of the best halls in Europe: in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and (for the 10th time already!) in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie – where we have come to love and appreciate the inspiring acoustics.

Musikpreis der deutschen Wirtschaft Ensemble Resonanz Finalkonzert

Since 1953, the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft has promoted young, emerging talents in classical music. The music prize, with a value of €15,000, aims to provide support at the beginning of a music career. It is intended for outstanding instrumentalists and singers under 30 who live in German-speaking countries. In addition to the prize money, the award includes performance opportunities at renowned partner festivals. The finalists will perform at a concert with Ensemble Resonanz, accompanied by conductor Gregor A. Mayrhofer.

Mahler's Unfinished

For many, thirteen is an unlucky number. But for composers, it is rather the number ten, because starting with Beethoven, many were able to complete a ninth symphony, but died before finishing their tenth or didn't dare to begin it at all. Like Mahler, who sketched his Tenth Symphony but had to leave it unfinished. However, even though he did not complete it, the sorrow, pain, and deeply felt anguish in this music remains one of the most moving pieces one can hear in a concert. On the other hand, Shostakovich composed fifteen symphonies, but his Fourth was not heard for decades. The blame lay with Stalin, who put so much pressure on the composer that he withdrew his work. The communist regime found the drastic way in which the composer expressed the horrors of the terror regime to be too dangerous.

Speak Low. Songs about masculinity and queer utopias

The art song – a mirror of a bygone era and yet surprisingly contemporary. Johannes Worms and Nasti invite you to an evening that looks at familiar and new works from an unusual perspective.

Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 2

The Concertgebouw’s famous Main Hall is one of the best concert halls in the world, well-known for its exceptional acoustics and special atmosphere. In the Main Hall, you will feel history. Here, Gustav Mahler conducted his own compositions, as did Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky. Sergei Rachmaninoff played his own piano concertos in the Main Hall. This is also where musicians such as Leonard Bernstein, Vladimir Horowitz and Yehudi Menuhin gave legendary performances. Right up to now, the Main Hall offers a stage to the world’s best orchestras and musicians. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Main Hall for yourself!

Utopia / Alexandre Kantorow / Teodor Currentzis

Few conductors of our time exude such charisma on stage as Teodor Currentzis. The Greek-Russian conductor lives and breathes music with every fibre of his sometimes eccentrically dressed body, regularly spurring his musicians on to outstanding performances. After his Russian-based ensemble MusicAeterna, Currentzis founded the project orchestra »Utopia« in 2022, made up of more than 100 musicians from 30 nations who otherwise play in European orchestras. An international all-star team, brought together by Currentzis himself and moulded into a musical unit. Even at the first performance at Hamburg’s Laeiszhalle, the cheers from the audience knew no bounds – »a little moment of magic«, NDR enthused. Now the ensemble returns to Hamburg for the third time, accompanied by French shooting-star pianist Alexandre Kantorow.

NOSPR / Zagrosek / Mahler’s happiest symphony

The most joyous one among Gustav Mahler’s symphonies does not, by any means, renounce either the grotesque irony that is so typical for the composer or eschatological threads. Yet again, it deals with the subject of death. This time, however, it is first represented by the grotesque Ländler played by the violin in the scherzo, later to introduce us to the realm of paradise in the finale. But is this true paradise, or rather an image, ironical in its effect, that arises from the naive folk poetry of The Boy’s Magic Horn collection, which the composer uses in his symphonies for the last time?Jakub PuchalskiConcert duration: approximately 70 minutes

Guest performance

Springtime from Vienna

Easter Festival Baden-Baden 2025

29th Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival

29th Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival - Beethoven and great poetry 6-18 April 2025 More information: www.beethoven.org.pl Organiser: Ludwig van Beethoven Association General Director of the Festival: Elżbieta Penderecka The Festival, co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the City of Warsaw, is held under the honorary patronage of President Andrzej Duda.

Oramo conducts Mahler's Fourth Symphony

Sakari Oramo conducts Mahler’s playful Fourth Symphony – and plays the violin too, as Kurt Weill retells the myth of Orpheus in his own, utterly original style.

29th Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival

29th Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival - Beethoven and great poetry 6-18 April 2025 More information: www.beethoven.org.pl Organiser: Ludwig van Beethoven Association General Director of the Festival: Elżbieta Penderecka The Festival, co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the City of Warsaw, is held under the honorary patronage of President Andrzej Duda.

Guest performance

Hough plays Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto

Stephen Hough plays Beethoven and Sakari Oramo conducts Mahler’s First Symphony. Genius, pure and simple, from the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Mahler 8

Three choirs, eight starry singers and one of the largest orchestras ever put on stage: there’s a reason why Mahler’s Eighth is often called the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’. The form of the piece, setting the candescent medieval poem Veni Creator Spiritus alongside the lyrical last scene of Goethe’s Faust is in itself radical and mysterious.At the core of the piece is a vast choir who seem to represent the whole human race in a passionate prayer for change but Mahler imagined they stood for something even greater: ‘Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound,’ he challenged.‘There are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving.’ Exaggeration? Judge for yourself. Mahler’s Eighth Symphony is quite simply one of the most overwhelming experiences that music has to offer.This concert has been specially developed with the Southbank Centre, with further details to be announced. It is commissioned and produced by the Southbank Centre and London Philharmonic Orchestra

Symphoniker Hamburg / Han-Na Chang

Mozart's "little" G minor symphony, written at age 17, gained fame through Miloš Forman's 1984 film "Amadeus." Mozart valued it enough to request the score ten years later. Completed on October 5, 1773, after his third Italian trip, it's his first minor key symphony, inspired by Haydn's 39th symphony. Mahler's Fifth Symphony quotes Mozart's "Abduction from the Seraglio." Mahler struggled with the Fifth, revising it multiple times. The famous Adagietto, a love letter to his wife Alma, shouldn't be played too slowly.

FLEUR BARRON & KUNAL LAHIRY

In an extraordinary and highly personal program, mezzo­soprano Fleur Barron and pianist Kunal Lahiry explore the echoes of global colonial history in music and poetry. Artists who share dual Asian and Western heritages, they examine diverse perspectives of identity and belonging, repression and freedom, in both familiar and lesser­known works from the past 150 years.

Scherpdenkers: Damiaan Denys & Camerata RCO - Mahler & Freud (Dutch spoken)

For lovers of chamber music the Recital Hall is the venue of choice. You can hear the musicians breathe and you can practically touch them. This hall is also cherished by musicians for its beautiful acoustics and direct contact with the audience. In the Recital Hall you can hear the best musicians of our time. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Recital Hall for yourself!

4th Youth Concert

Camilla Nylund / Helmut Deutsch / Song Recital

Camilla Nylund’s dramatic soprano has all it takes for the grand operas by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. But the Finn, who was recently hailed at the Elbphilharmonie for her »American Songbook« project, can also sing a couple of smaller numbers. This is particularly exciting when, with Helmut Deutsch, one of the most sought-after accompanists of all is at the piano. Alban Berg’s »Sieben frühe Lieder« (Seven Early Songs) are real gems and sound romantic in their own particular way – and tremendously sensitive. You can hear a lot of Gustav Mahler here! Especially as a composition pupil of Arnold Schönberg, the very young composer also makes forays to the limits of tonality here, however. Once older, he stubbornly held back many of his songs, but chose to release these seven. Obviously, he was particularly fond of them. With their warm, scintillating tenderness, which intensifies to a frenzy, they open up completely new horizons. There is perhaps no help for anyone who does not get goosebumps when the roses burst open in Theodor Storm’s »Nachtigall« (Nightingale)…

Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia / Joshua Bell / Daniel Harding

»I’m in love with Dvořák’s Violin Concerto and I don’t see that changing in the foreseeable future.« With this declaration of love, star violinist Joshua Bell takes the wind out of the sails of all those who think you only need to know the Bohemian composer’s – undeniably wonderful – Cello Concerto. In fact, the Violin Concerto offers everything you could wish for in a great evening at the Elbphilharmonie: melting melodies, highly virtuosic splendour, rousing dances. The Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia accompanies this enchanting work with Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony – a gathering of classical music masters!