Mahler’s First Symphony is considered to be one of his most honest and audacious artistic statements on life, death, tragedy, and triumph. With its early echoes of nature and birdsong, explosive crescendos, and heaven-storming finale, the nickname “Titan” couldn’t be more fitting.
Anna Handler, a Dudamel Fellow from Walt Disney Concert Hall’s 2023/24 season, returns with her “vigorous, infectious style [that draws] smiles from the orchestra andovations from the audience” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer) to lead the orchestra in this gargantuan symphony.
Handler also reunites with Emanuel Ax, “a soloist equally renowned for interpretive sympathy and technical acumen” (The Wall Street Journal), for a thorny yet velvety piano concerto by film score legend John Williams. Written specifically for Ax, Williams’ concerto is “haunted by the ghosts of jazz past” (The New York Times), echoing whispers from Art Tatum’s range and harmony, Bill Evans’ reflective tone, Oscar Peterson’s effortless swing, and Phineas Newborn, Jr.’s meticulous fingering techniques.
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