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.
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.
Alternative venue for bad weather is the Wellington Town Hall. Doors will open at 7pm.
