A Whole Universe – Joe Davies on Performing Mahler’s ‘Symphony No. 8’ With the Leamington Sinfonia Orchestra

(Photo: Chris Tribble) “Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. There are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving” wrote Gustav Mahler, commenting on his 8th Symphony. On 16th May, the majestic, (if not suitably astronomical), Coventry Cathedral hosted a remarkable and rarely performed work that received a rapturous reception at its cessation, much {…}

Apr 22, 2026

UNCSA Symphony Orchestra 2025-26 Review: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 & Malek Jandali’s Symphony No. 5 (U.S. Premiere)

(Photo: Scott Jati Lindsay) University North Carolina School of the Arts concert was so thoroughly professional that one had to remind oneself that this was a conservatory orchestra. The program, brilliantly conducted by James Allbritten was both ambitious and stunning in its quality. The free program at the National Cathedral was one of the season’s high-points for me, offering the {…}

Apr 9, 2026

Boston Lyric Opera 2025-26 Review: The Song of Earth

(Photo: Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Studios) On the surface, this production of “Das Lied von der Erde” as a drama is an interesting idea. Mahler wrote no operas, but “The Song of the Earth” is the closest one gets. Schoenberg’s arrangement is also a hidden gem that fits the inauguration of Boston Lyric Opera’s new music hall perfectly (a small but {…}

Oct 2, 2025

Komische Oper Berlin 2025 Review: Mahler’s ‘Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major’

(Photo: Jan Windszus Photography) Gustav Mahler’s 8th Symphony in E-flat major, often dubbed the “Symphony of a Thousand” did its moniker justice this time: It was put on by the Komische Oper Berlin in the huge Hangar 4 at the former Tempelhof Airport and counted 1030 participants – taking up the entire center stage plus two grandstands for the choirs. {…}

Sep 1, 2024

Sasha Cooke, Tommi Hakala, Johanna Rusanen Headline First Half of Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2024-25 Season

The Philharmonia Orchestra has announced the first half of its 2024-25 season. Here is a rundown of performances featuring classical vocal performances. First up is a program featuring music by Sibelius and Grieg with soprano Johanna Rusanen and baritone Tommi Hakala. Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts the showcase. Also on the program is the Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat Male Voice Choir and pianist Stephen {…}

Oct 15, 2023

Cleveland Museum of Art to Display Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, ‘Resurrection’ Autograph Manuscript

Credit: Public Domain The Cleveland Orchestra has revealed that Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” autograph manuscript will be showcased at the Cleveland Museum of Art from Oct. 3, 2023, to Feb. 11, 2024. This treasured manuscript, donated by Dr. Herbert G. Kloiber in 2020, is momentous, being the only autograph manuscript of the complete symphony available and comprises Mahler’s {…}

May 18, 2023

Opera Meets Film: Oil Fields as Allegory in Werner Herzog’s ‘Lessons of Darkness’

Nothing is ever black and white, not even climate change, war, activism, politics, and art. But what can be said is that our Earth needs to be protected no matter the cost. While the number of oil spills has gone down over the decades, the amount of trash produced by China and the United States alone is staggering. On top {…}

Nov 9, 2022

Lauren Snouffer & Marie-Nicole Lemieux Headline Cleveland Orchestra’s Stream of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 ‘Resurrection’

The Cleveland Orchestra is set to stream a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” on Nov. 12, 2022. The showcase, which will be conducted by Franz Welser-Möst will star Lauren Snouffer and Marie-Nicole Lemieux as the soloists. This is the ensemble’s first performance of this Symphony since receiving the autograph manuscript earlier this year. Audiences will be provided with {…}

Sep 28, 2022

Cleveland Orchestra Gifted Manuscript of Mahler’s Second Symphony

The Cleveland Orchestra received an autographed manuscript of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection.” The gift was made by philanthropist Herbert G. Kloiber, who is one of the Trustees of the organization. The 232-page historic document will be preserved in collaboration with the Cleveland Museum of Art where it will be available for public viewing. “When I acquired the Mahler autograph {…}

Nov 2, 2021

San Francisco Opera Announces ‘Opera Aficionado’ Online Discussions in November 2021

(Credits: San Francisco Opera) The San Francisco Opera’s Department of Diversity, Equity and Community has announced new “Opera Aficionado” online discussions in November 2021 on the topic of composers who did not compose an opera. San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna will talk about German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, analyzing possible reasons why the famed German did not compose {…}

Jun 16, 2021

Deutsches Nationaltheater & Staatskapelle Weimar Announces 2021-22 Season Featuring Iris Vermillion & Andreas Fischer

(Credit: © Deutsches Nationaltheater und Staatskapelle Weimar) The Deutsches Nationaltheater & Staatskapelle Weimar has announced its 2021-22 season. For the purpose of this article we will only focus on vocal works. Opera Stewart Copeland and Jonathan Moore’s opera “Electric Saint” opens the season with Gregor Bühl conducting a production by Jonathan Moore. Premiere Date: Sept. 5, 2021 Johann Strauss‘ “Die {…}

gustav mahler