MAHLER 4&5 AUSTRALIAN WORLD ORCHESTRA REUNITES FOR TWO HISTORY IN THE MAKING PERFORMANCES OF MAHLER’S MONUMENTAL WORKS 

Following the mesmerising performances of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony in 2023 conducted by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Alexander Briger, and 2024’s Chamber Concert series with counter tenor Andreas Scholl, the full Australian World Orchestra comes together once again this September for two history in the making performances of Mahler’s Fourth and Fifth symphonies performed together for the first time in the Southern hemisphere and conducted by Briger. This ambitious program which sees the musicians onstage for over two hours showcases the unparalleled artistry and versatility of the orchestra, and its reputation for breaking new ground in the world of classical music. Making her Australian debut is acclaimed German soprano Sarah Traubel who will perform the solo in Mahler 4.AWO Artistic Director and Conductor Alexander Briger said: “This concert is a testament to the exceptional quality of the Australian World Orchestra, comprised of the finest musicians from Australia and around the globe. Their extraordinary talent and dedication allow us to present such an ambitious program. By performing these two symphonies in one evening, we aim to create an unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the soul. “

Mahler’s Fourth and Fifth Symphonies are monumental works that explore the full spectrum of human emotion and experience. Mahler’s 4th Symphony, with its ethereal beauty and celestial finale, offers a poignant contrast to the dramatic intensity and profound depth of his 5th Symphony. This juxtaposition of the two,  never performed together in Australia and on only a handful of occasions since their creation,  not only highlights Mahler’s genius but also provides a compelling narrative that will resonate deeply with audiences.

MAHLER 4
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G Major, composed between 1899 and 1901, is distinct within his repertoire for its light, whimsical nature, evoking innocence, and simplicity, and culminating in a soprano’s rendition of “Das himmlische Leben” (“The Heavenly Life”). Renowned performances, such as Leonard Bernstein’s with the New York Philharmonic, noted for its emotional depth and clarity, and Claudio Abbado’s with the Berlin Philharmonic, celebrated for its precision and warmth, have become benchmarks.

MAHLER 5
Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor, composed between 1901 and 1902, marks a departure from the light, whimsical nature of his Fourth Symphony, embracing a more dramatic and complex structure. The Fifth Symphony is renowned for its emotional intensity and rich orchestration, beginning with a sombre trumpet fanfare and traversing through a range of moods, culminating in the famous Adagietto, a serene and lyrical movement often interpreted as a love letter to his wife, Alma. Mahler’s Fifth Symphony continues to captivate audiences with its intricate layers and powerful expressions, standing in stark contrast to the pastoral simplicity of his Fourth Symphony.

Read Alexander Briger’s biography here.

Read Sarah Traubel’s biography here.

About the Australian World Orchestra
The Australian World Orchestra brings together Australia’s finest classical musicians – from across Australia and around the world – to create something uniquely electrifying, while the AWO education program has helped foster the next generation of Australian musicians.

The AWO’s musicians are drawn from the world’s finest orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Concertgebouw and Australia’s orchestras and ensembles. The immense talent, coupled with its grand, award-winning sound, has seen many of the world’s finest conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, Zubin Mehta AC, Riccardo Muti and Simone Young AM lead the orchestra both in Australia and overseas. The Australian World Orchestra has been hailed by audiences and critics alike as charismatic, inspiring and one of a kind.