Philharmonia Orchestra

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No.8 (Symphony of a Thousand)

No interval.

Mahler's mightiest symphony, often known as 'The Symphony of a Thousand', calls for huge orchestral forces, eight soloists, a boys' chorus and large mixed chorus. Described by the composer as his 'gift to the whole nation' it is an epic drama in two parts, the first a setting of a Medieval Latin hymn 'Veni Creator Spiritus', and the second a setting of the final scene of Goethe's Faust.

Royal Festival Hall at 6pm - The resounding of the universe. Julian Johnson considers the extraordinary vision of Mahler's Eighth Symphony. Admission free.

Philharmonia Orchestra
Lorin Maazel conductor
Sally Matthews soprano
Ailish Tynan soprano
Sarah Tynan soprano
Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano
Anne-Marie Owens mezzo-soprano
Stefan Vinke tenor
Mark Stone baritone
Stephen Gadd bass
Philharmonia Chorus
Philharmonia Voices
BBC Symphony Chorus
Boys from the Chapel Choirs of Eton College