Donald Runnicles began our season with Mahler鈥檚 anguished final word; now he ends it with the composer鈥檚 creation of a new symphonic world. There鈥檚 never been a first symphony to match Mahler鈥檚, and from the glistening stillness of its visionary opening to its final, epic ascent from the inferno to paradise, it鈥檚 one of those pieces that simply brings audiences cheering to their feet. It鈥檚 a suitably joyous ending to this 80th anniversary season 鈥� and to a concert that begins with the poetry and warmth of Brahms鈥檚 expansive Second Piano Concerto: a Romantic master at his big-hearted best, and a glowing conclusion to Denis Kozhukhin鈥檚 91热爆 SSO Brahms cycle.
Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room
Chief Conductor Donald Runnicles in conversation.
There will be no coda after this concert.
