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.
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The Hallé
Sir Mark Elder Conductor
Edinburgh Festival Chorus
James Grossmith Chorus Director
Boulanger Psalm 130
Mahler Symphony No 5
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every concert. First, log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. £10 Affordable Tickets are available in the Upper Circle in Price Q only. Select your seat(s) in this area and add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
The £10 Affordable Ticket is subject to availability and limited to two per customer per event. No proof of eligibility is required. £10 Affordable Tickets work on a trust basis and we hope that these will only be chosen by people who need them.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
Free Essential Companion tickets are available for those who need them. Select Essential Companion ticket from the drop-down menu, and the price will automatically update to a free ticket in your basket. You must purchase two tickets for the Essential Companion offer to apply.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount, which are available from 21 March. Arts workers and under 30s concessions are not available on top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H). Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
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).
GROUP BOOKINGS
Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount on full-price tickets for selected performances. Group discounts are available from 21 March. For groups of more than 20, phone the box office or email [email protected]
YOUNG CHILDREN POLICY
We adhere to each venue’s individual policy and advise that you contact our box office for further information before booking tickets. We will include age guidance on relevant performances.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
We have partnered with TicketPlan to offer optional ticket protection. This allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any booking fee) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, visit ticketplangroup.com/eifrefundpromise
Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.