The Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester is one of the world’s most revered ensembles of young musicians – and also one of the largest, with over 80 string players alone. None of its members is over the age of 26, and they are hand-picked from the best young musicians throughout Europe. Famed for its breathtaking energy, agility and great sonic beauty, the orchestra excels in music on a grand scale, including the works by the two great 19th-century composers in tonight’s programme.

Mahler’s dark-hued Symphony No 7 charts a journey from dusk to dawn, with music that is passionate and lyrical, yet also at times chilling and grotesque. Conductor Daniele Gatti has a well-established reputation as a fine Mahlerian. He also has an instinctive flair for opera, and conducts the mystical orchestral meditations from Wagner’s final stage work.