La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra & Belgian National Orchest
About the Event
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary celebration of Gustav Mahler’s symphonic pieces at the prestigious Palais des Beaux‐Arts in Brussels. Mahler described his Eighth Symphony as a seminal work, stating, 'All my previous symphonies were merely a prelude to this one it is my ultimate accomplishment. Envision the cosmos coming alive with sound, where not mere human voices, but celestial bodies resonate.'
This symphony, the last that Mahler conducted at its debut, demanded a vast ensemble that included an organ, celesta, and harmonium, besides eight vocal soloists, two extensive mixed choirs, and a children’s choir. It begins with a powerful interpretation of the Latin hymn Veni creator Spiritus. The subsequent, longer segment musically envisions the concluding act of Goethe’s Faust.
Cast / Production
Belgian National Orchestra
Monnaie Orchestra and Choir
La Monnaie Choral Academy, choir
La Monnaie Children's and Youth Choirs, choir
Vlaams Radio Koor, choir
Alain Altinoglu, conductor
Emmanuel Trenque, choir leader
Michaela Kaune, Magna Peccatrix (soprano)
Jacquelyn Wagner, Una Poenitentium (soprano)
Ilse Eerens, Mater Gloriosa (soprano)
Nora Gubisch, Mulier Samaritana (mezzo)
Marvic Monreal, Maria Aegyptiaca (mezzo‐soprano)
Nicky Spence, Doctor Marianus (tenor)
Werner Van Mechelen, Pater Ecstaticus (baritone)
Gabor Bretz, Pater Profundus (baritone)
Benoît Giaux, choir leader
