On Thursday 27 April we performed the third and final concert in our Mahler series at the Royal Albert Hall, part of our Journeys of Discovery 2022-23 London Season, with our Music Director Vasily Petrenko conducting Mahler's Third Symphony.
Mahler’s famous quote about ‘embracing the world’ in his symphonies finds its fullest expression in this, his longest symphony. In six movements he charts the evolution of nature and mankind. The elemental power of summer is set against the delicacy of the natural world. And the dark night of the soul is broken by the sounds of angels and a ‘great summons’ to love more deeply than ever before.
Joining the orchestra were Mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp, the Philharmonia Chorus, Tiffin Boys’ Choir and the 'Freedom Bells' courtesy of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
All photos (c) Andy Paradise
Masterful Mahler 3 at @RoyalAlbertHall this evening. @rpoonline and Vasily Petrenko on top form
— Andrew Tovell (@PlusTovell) April 27, 2023
"A memorable performance, then, which brought out the sheer scale and ambition of Mahler’s conception while underlining the all-round excellence of the RPO." Arcana FM
Superb performance of Mahler 3 given by the RPO under Petrenko in the great acoustic of the Royal Albert Hall. Perhaps the most life-affirming of Mahler’s symphonies. pic.twitter.com/pxirAzssdi
— Nicholas Dicker (@Classicalnick) April 27, 2023
The concert featured a very special guest appearance - the Freedom Bells from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, pictured here with our Principal Percussion Stephen Quigley, made this Mahler Third the first in the Royal Albert Hall to feature real church bells!
Superb performance of Mahler’s monumental 3rd Symphony by @rpoonline at the @RoyalAlbertHall .
— Paddy Briggs ?? (@PaddyBriggs) April 27, 2023
Wasn't that incredible!!?
— Bethlyn Killey MEd (@StarlightMcKenz) April 28, 2023
Find out more about our Journeys of Discovery series with Vasily Petrenko