Vasily Petrenko’s Mahler Symphony No.8

Even by Mahler’s standards, his Symphony No.8, nicknamed ‘Symphony of a Thousand’, is a work of immense proportions. Vasily Petrenko, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s (RPO) Music Director Designate, is joined on stage at the magnificent Royal Albert Hall by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, eight soloists, four choruses, two children’s choirs and an organ, for what promises to be a titanic performance of this rarely heard masterpiece. Written in two halves, Part I employs the text of a 9th century hymn ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ (‘Come Creator Spirit’), and Part II – inspired by the final scene of Goethe’s Faust – sees Faust’s soul rescued from the clutches of the Devil, then ascend to Heaven in a blaze of glory.

Programme

Mahler Symphony No.8, ‘Symphony of a Thousand’

Performers

Vasily Petrenko Conductor
Sarah Wegener Soprano
Jacquelyn Wagner Soprano
Regula Mühlemann Soprano
Jennifer Johnston Mezzo-soprano
Hilary Summers Alto
Vincent Wolfsteiner Tenor
Michael Nagy Baritone
Shenyang Bass
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir
Philharmonia Chorus
Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
City of London Choir
Tiffin Boys’ Choir
The Temple Church Choir
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra