Kazuki conducts Mahler’s 2nd Symphony

The evening is dedicated entirely to Mahler’s Symphony No.2, a work that evolves from a grim funeral march into a vast expression of hope and renewal. You will hear how the composer balances moments of extreme delicacy with waves of overwhelming sound. The first movement is expansive and dramatic, establishing a sense of struggle that is eventually answered by the entry of the human voice. As the performance progresses, listen for the transition from the soloists' intimate contributions to the arrival of the full chorus in the finale. The scale of the orchestration is significant, featuring off-stage brass and expanded percussion to create a sense of space and distance. This eighty-seven-minute journey does not follow a traditional four-movement structure, instead building towards a monumental conclusion where the combined forces of the orchestra and choir fill the hall with a profound, life-affirming sound that defines the symphonic tradition of the late nineteenth century.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble of this venue, known for its long history of performing large-scale symphonic works. Kazuki Yamada, the orchestra's Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor, leads these forces alongside the CBSO Chorus. They are joined by soprano Eleanor Lyons and contralto Jess Dandy, both of whom are recognised for their expressive vocal clarity in the concert repertoire. The ensemble is celebrated for its technical precision and its ability to navigate the complex emotional shifts required by the great Romantic symphonies, making them well-suited for this particular programme.

The performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and runs for approximately eighty-seven minutes without an interval. Given the length and the single, continuous focus of the programme, we recommend arriving early to find your seat. The venue does not enforce a specific dress code, so smart-casual attire is perfectly appropriate. This event is an excellent choice if you enjoy large-scale choral and orchestral music. As there is no staging or opera element, there are no surtitles to follow; the experience is entirely focused on the live symphonic sound within the acoustic space.