Large-scale performance of the 'Symphony of Thousands'
"Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to sing and sound. They are no longer human voices, but planets and suns circling each other," Gustav Mahler said in the summer of 1906. Overwhelmed by this sudden inspiration, he wrote his monumental Eighth Symphony. Mahler composed voluminous works more often, but his Eighth Symphony, often 'Symphony of Thousands'called, is one of the most iconic examples of his large-scale approach.
As many as 400 performers are required. This is why it is rarely performed. The North Netherlands Orchestra is bringing this monumental work to the northern concert halls for the first time. Together with the Noord Nederlands Concertkoor, the Nederlands Concertkoor and eight international soloists, among others, and all under the direction of NNO's honorary conductor Antony Hermus. As impressive as the size of the cast is the way Mahler weaves each element into a rich musical structure. With an unprecedented palette of timbres and expression, he evokes a symphonic landscape with which he reaches for a higher dimension.
conductor: Antony Hermus | soprano: Christina Nilsson, Lenneke Ruiten and Nikkie Treurniet | mezzo-soprano: Catriona Morison | alto: Carina Vinke | tenor: Brenden Gunnell | baritone: Thomas Oliemans | bass: Liang Li m.v. Noord Nederlands Concertkoor, Nederlands Concertkoor, Nationaal Kinderkoor and Roder Jongenskoor
