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World-renowned conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy joins the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and some of the world's finest soloists in delivering an electric performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8.
Often referred to as Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand due to its vast instrumental and choral forces, this epic collaboration offers Festival audiences the opportunity to hear Mahler's magnum opus and one of the greatest musical experiences of our time. The work combines sacred and secular texts that deal with Mahler's ideal of the redemptive power of human love. The performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 during Festival 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of its first performance in Munich.
Marshalling the forces of an immense orchestra, a children's chorus, two large mixed choirs, organ, off-stage brass and eight vocal soloists, this musical feast promises to be a Festival hit and guaranteed sell-out.
As a special opening night celebration, a live relay of this spectacular event can be enjoyed on a giant screen in Civic Square
- all part of the free, family-friendly events taking place during the Festival.
Annalena Persson, Marina Shaguch, Sara Macliver (sopranos)
Dagmar Peckova, Bernadette Cullen (mezzos)
Simon O'Neill (tenor), Markus Eiche (baritone)
Martin Snell (bass)
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy (conductor)
New Zealand Youth Choir
Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir
Christchurch City Choir
Orpheus Choir of Wellington
Choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul (augmented)
More Info
- Vladimir Ashkenazy: Art Talk
- Article: Arts Festival Review: Mahler Symphony No 8
- Article: Review: Mahler Symphony No. 8
- Article: UK Symphony grows to meet challenge of playing Mahler
- Article: Festival Welcomes the World with the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’
Review
The Dominion Post Feb 27, 2010
When the Mahler Eighth Symphony, with its vast forces creating as much a visual spectacle as an aural one, was performed under Marus Stenz at the 1996 International Festival of the Arts, many, myself included, thought it was something of an indulgence. But what an indulgence! And what a spectacle! and what a sound!
