Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo: Mahler Festival #2

About the Event

Experience the magic of classical music like never before in this astonishing performance of masterworks by the legendary Gustav Mahler at Milan's remarkable Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing sounds of the La Scala Philharmonic, led by the renowned conductor Riccardo Chailly, as they present a program entirely dedicated to Mahler.

The concert opens with Symphony No. 1, Mahler's first major symphonic work, which marks the beginning of his illustrious career as a composer. This symphony is accompanied by an early masterpiece, the Symphonic Prelude, which has long been attributed to Anton Bruckner – a close friend and mentor of the young Gustav.

When Mahler conducted the inaugural performance of the Symphony on November 20, 1889, in Budapest, the composition had yet to reach its final form. Mahler's meticulous nature led to countless revisions, hesitations, and second thoughts. A staggering twenty‐five years passed between the initial drafts in 1884 and the final touches in 1909, encompassing the entirety of the composer's creative journey.

Musically, the most noteworthy changes made to the Symphony were the reduction of the movements from five to four, achieved by removing an Andante originally placed in the second position, and the expansion of the instrumental ensemble. Mahler's signature orchestral gigantism takes center stage, as the ensemble swells beyond the conventions of the nineteenth‐century norm.

Prepare to be captivated by this once‐in‐a-lifetime performance that sheds new light on the genius of Gustav Mahler. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these extraordinary masterworks come to life on the grand stage of Milan's Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo. Book your tickets now and experience classical music in a way that will leave you breathless.