Mahler’s Fifth Symphony
This concert marks Sir Mark Elder’s farewell to the Hallé Orchestra, drawing his tenure as music director to a close after 24 remarkable years. And what a way to bow out, with two commanding works from the era in which he has attracted his greatest acclaim.
Lili Boulanger’s setting of Psalm 130 stands testament to the youthful French composer’s prodigious talent. Had she not died at 24, this choral piece, with its vivid personality and darkness of atmosphere, suggests that she could have grown into a towering figure of 20th-century music.
Gustav Mahler once wrote, ‘A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.' His mighty Fifth Symphony does exactly that. The Adagietto alone is probably Mahler’s most powerful hit; its evocation of awakening love is frequently performed as a standalone piece. From the imposing funeral march and the storm, it unleashes to its conclusion in a blaze of triumph, the symphony traces an awe-inspiring path from darkness to light.
Arrive early at Usher Hall to enjoy a pop-up performance from Whitburn Brass Band (5.45–6.30pm) and The Cooperation Band (6.30–7.30pm).
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A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.
The Hallé
Sir Mark Elder Conductor
Edinburgh Festival Chorus
James Grossmith Chorus Director
Boulanger Psalm 130
Anna Stéphany Mezzo Soprano
Magnus Walker Tenor
Mahler Symphony No 5
ENCORE
Elgar Chanson de Nuit
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
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All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
MULTIBUY OFFERS
We have a variety of multibuy offers where you can save 20% on standard price tickets when you buy tickets for multiple shows. Multibuy offers will only apply when tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
Opera Lovers: Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas (Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Oedipus Rex, Così fan tutte, and Capriccio) and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Opening Weekend Concerts: Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Bamberger Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Bamberger evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Philharmonia Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Philharmonia evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
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