James MacMillan Viola Concerto (world premiere)
Mahler Symphony No. 6

Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Lawrence Power viola

After the first performance of his Sixth Symphony in 1906, Gustav Mahler could be found sobbing, wringing his hands and pacing frantically in his dressing room. He’d realised that what he’d written offered no escape. This compelling 80-minute orchestral journey ends in resolute tragedy – perhaps the first symphony to paint such a resoundingly dark picture of the human soul with such astonishing purpose and effect. It remains a live music experience like no other, and is preceded in this concert by the world premiere of a new concerto for viola and orchestra by James MacMillan. MacMillan’s Viola Concerto is commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Free pre-concert event | 6.15pm–6.45pm | Royal Festival Hall
James MacMillan discusses his new Viola Concerto.

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Hear it first!
Select a link below to listen to selected movements from this concert (Flash Player opens in a new window).

Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A minor - I. Allegro energico, ma non troppo. Heftig, aber markig
Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A minor - II. Andante moderato
Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A minor - IV. Finale: Allegro moderato - Allegro energico

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