Concerts with works by

Hillborg

Mahler Festival: Concertgebouw Orchestra and Klaus Mäkelä - Mahler's Symphony No. 1

In 1903, Gustav Mahler conducted his own work with the Concertgebouw Orchestra for the first time. He was lyrical about orchestra, choirs and audience. 'The music culture in this country is astonishing! The way these people can listen.' Tonight, in the First Symphony, the ensemble is led by Klaus Mäkelä. He has been artistic partner of the Concertgebouw Orchestra since 2022 and will become chief conductor in 2027. In an interview, he said Mahler's work is probably the best first symphony ever. 'Fascinating how he manages to bring together sounds of nature, dances and childhood memories.'Stormy, lyrical and inventive: Mahler's First Symphony is one that hints forward to all that follows. Mahler arranged his First symphony several times. Central is a theme from one of the Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. Spring dreams, peasant dances, a real storm, hunting scenes... they culminate in a triumphant finale. Swedish composer Anders Hillborg is writing a new work, the Dutch premiere of which you will hear today.