About the piece:
Composed in the summers of 1901-02, the Symphony No. 5 was written at a fruitful time in Mahler's life. His marriage to Alma Schindler in 1901 had ushered in a time of intense personal joy, while his appointment as director of the Vienna Court Opera had skyrocketed his career in urban Vienna. Bounded by these life events, the Symphony No. 5 marked a turning point in Mahler's ouevre. It was his first purely instrumental symphony since the First, completed in 1893, and signalled the start of his “middle” period of composition, during which he expanded his forays into progressive harmony and continued the push the limits of orchestral maximalism. The Symphony comprises five movements, which are grouped into three parts. Taking us on an odyssey through mourning, introspection, and triumph, Mahler's gifts are on display in a range of iconic moments: from the opening funeral march, heard in the film Tár, to the serene Adagietto, written as a love letter to Alma and Mahler's greatest commercial success, to the colossal Rondo finale, which, in conductor Herbert von Karajan's words, ‘almost forces you to hold your breath’.
About Melbourne Symphony Orchestra:
Established in 1906, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s pre-eminent orchestra and a cornerstone of Victoria’s rich, cultural heritage.
Each year, the MSO engages with more than 5 million people, presenting in excess of 180 public events across live performances, TV, radio and online broadcasts, and via its online concert hall, MSO.LIVE, with audiences in 56 countries.
With a reputation for excellence, versatility and innovation, the MSO works with culturally diverse and First Nations leaders to build community and deliver music to people across Melbourne, the state of Victoria and around the world.
In 2024, the MSO’s Chief Conductor Jaime Martín continues an exciting new phase in the Orchestra’s history. Maestro Martín joins an Artistic Family that includes Principal Guest Conductor Xian Zhang, Principal Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey, Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis CBE, Soloist in Residence Siobhann Stagg, Composer in Residence Mary Finsterer, Cybec Young Composer in Residence Melissa Douglas, and Young Artist in Association Christian Li.
The MSO regularly attracts exceptional artists from across the globe including Chinese pianist Lang Lang, German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, American soprano Renée Fleming and, in 2022, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason (UK), Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son, tenor Kang Wang and conductor Vasily Petrenko.
Committed to shaping and serving the city it inhabits, the MSO reaches beyond the customary classical audience. Recent contemporary collaborations include performances with Kate Ceberano, Jazz and Lincoln Centre Orchestra, The Bamboos, Vera Blue, Dannii Minogue, Birds of Tokyo, and the World premiere of The Man From Snowy River in Concert.
The first Australian orchestra to perform overseas (1965) and the first to debut at Carnegie Hall (1970), the MSO has a proud history of international touring and has established firm roots through regular engagement in China, Indonesia and Singapore. The MSO boasts close ties with some of the world’s finest orchestras including London Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing.
As an active ambassador for the arts, the MSO campaigns for the rights of all people to gain access to our music. Presenting carefully curated learning programs, a regional touring schedule, accessible concerts and free community events, the MSO provides opportunities for music lovers to be involved with the Orchestra, no matter their age or location.
