Fabio Luisi and NHK Symphony Orchestra - Mahler's Symphony No. 4

Fabio Luisi conducts the NHK Symphony Orchestra

Born in Italy, Fabio Luisi is currently chief conductor on two continents. In Texas, he succeeded Jaap van Zweden at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He leads the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo, where he will give two concerts during the Mahler Festival. Yesterday, the Third Symphony was performed; today, it is the Fourth Symphony's turn. Luisi's interpretation was called 'enchanting' by Dallas Morning News.

Mahler's Symphony No. 4

While walking through Austria, a writing book in hand, Mahler got his Fourth Symphony in his mind. Consequently, it sounds remarkably scenic, light and lyrical. The Fourth Symphony initially met with resistance and incomprehension and was slammed by the press. Later, however, the work grew to become perhaps Mahler's best-loved symphony. In this respect, Bruno Walter, Mahler's colleague and friend, was proved right when, after the first performance in Vienna, he lashed out at the boomer press that 'Mahler and his immortal work will be alive long after you are dead and buried'.

Mahler Festival

From 9 to 18 May 2025, Het Concertgebouw is organizing a major Mahler Festival for the third time. After the Mahler Festivities in 1920 and 1995, all of Mahler's symphonies will be heard again in the Main Hall. Among others, they will be performed by the Budapest Festival Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Orchestra, which was once conducted by Mahler himself. A selection of top soloists and choirs, led by conductors such as Iván Fischer and Jaap van Zweden, devote themselves to these monumental works. More information about the Mahler Festival can be found here.

Amsterdam 750

On 27 October 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th anniversary, marking a year-long celebration. Starting on 27 October 2024, a jubilee year full of activities for all Amsterdammers begins.