NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra / Kirill Gerstein / Alan Gilbert

»The introduction depicts nature awakening from a long winter’s sleep,« Gustav Mahler once commented on the beginning of his First Symphony. And it is precisely these notes that will »awaken« the musicians of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra under the baton of conductor Alan Gilbert from their summer break, as they embark on the new 2025/2026 season full of enthusiasm! Mahler’s exuberantly youthful Symphony No. 1 marks the starting point of a powerful oeuvre that reflects the whole world with all its beauty, but also its dark abysses. It is a piece that, according to the composer, depicts »a powerful, heroic man, his life and suffering, his struggle and defeat against fate« and culminates in simply overwhelming optimism. A piece that also encourages us to overcome social challenges – and thus seems, especially in our times, to be the ideal start to a season full of joyful and energising music.

PERFORMERS

NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester orchestra

Kirill Gerstein piano

Alan Gilbert conductor

PROGRAM

Richard Strauss
Burleske for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, TrV 145

Sergej Rachmaninow
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 43

- Interval -

Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 1 in D major, »Titan«