BPO4: Mahler Symphony No. 3

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

After 20 years, it is time once again for the BPO to perform Mahler's exalted paean to nature, the Third Symphony. It is the longest and most all-embracing of all his works. In it, he set out to express the essence of his relationship to nature. Visiting Mahler while he was composing the Third Symphony at his summer retreat, his young apprentice Bruno Walter took a moment to reflect on the astonishing mountain view. "You needn't stand staring at that,” Mahler crowed, “I've already composed it all!" In this vast and profound work for chorus, orchestra, and mezzo-soprano, you will hear it all—from exaltation to terror to union with the primal forces that surround us. Renowned mezzo-soprano Susan Platts returns to sing the poignant setting of Nietzsche's Midnight Song. -Benjamin Zander

There will be no intermission for this concert.

Listen to WBZ New England Weekend: Audio Interview with Benjamin Zander about the Boston Philharmonic's Mahler Symphony No. 3 concert

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 3 - 99 minutes

Listen to Benjamin Zander's in depth discussion of Mahler Symphony No. 3
Voted one of the ten greatest symphonies of all time by conductors in BBC Music Magazine. Maestro Benjamin Zander calls the opening of the piece "One of the most distinctive and memorable of any symphony."
Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 3 was written between 1893 and 1896. It was premiered on June 9, 1902 with Mahler conducting.
Learn more about Mahler's 3rd Symphony at Music Web with a synopsis about the piece as well as reviews of notable recordings.
Known for the richness of her mezzo-soprano voice, Susan Platts will be soloist with the Boston Philharmonic for this final concert of the season!

"Platts's dark, fervent mezzo was perhaps the most superbly Mahlerian voice of the evening, emerging out of a full orchestra with a setting sun's warm glow" - Toronto Globe and Mail

Listen to Susan Platts sing Mahler Lieder on YouTube

All dates, repertoire, venues, and artists subject to change.

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COVID-19 CONCERT POLICIES

All visitors must present full proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test each time they enter Symphony Hall. Fully vaccinated is defined as having had your second COVID-19 vaccination at least two weeks before your concert date.

Accepted vaccines include those authorized (either fully or for emergency use) by the Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization.

Options for proof of vaccination:

Vaccination card
Photo of vaccination card
Digital vaccine record

Acceptable COVID-19 tests:

PCR test taken within the last 72 hours
Antigen test taken within the last 24 hours
Proof of a negative test can be in the form of a photo or email of negative test results from a clinic, testing center, medical professional, or a time-stamped photo of an at-home test.
While indoors at Symphony Hall everyone 2 years and older must wear a CDC-approved mask that covers their nose and mouth regardless of vaccination status.

Review the current Covid-19 policies for further information.

For the 2021-2022 concert season all concerts will be held at Symphony Hall. To help you plan your visit please read:

Mahler Concert

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

COVID-19 CONCERT POLICIES

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