Netherlands Student Orchestra - Mahler's Symphony No. 5

Make yourself heard!

'Speak up!' is an encouragement to speak out, and in the belief that your voice can be heard. This can be done with words, with voice, but also with music. Unfortunately, this is not always self-evident for everyone. For example, women have always had a disadvantaged position within classical music. NSO 2024 reflects this, and this year the focus is on 'Make yourself heard!'

Alma Schindler

Alma Schindler was a musical, ambitious young woman who, at 18, wondered why women had not achieved anything in music. She would change that. But when Gustav Mahler asked for her hand in marriage, he forbade her to compose anymore. She agreed and stopped her musical career. Alma was then silenced, while the commissioned composer of NSO 2024, Sílvia Lanao, now makes her music heard.

Mahler's Fifth

The theme 'Let yourself be heard!' also relates to Mahler's 'Fifth Symphony'. Although it is difficult to believe after the 'love contract' between Gustav and Alma, the two artists had a great love for each other. The fourth movement of Mahler's 'Fifth Symphony', the Adagietto, is an expression of his love. Legend has it that Mahler wrote this piece as a love letter to Alma. He couldn't express his love for her in words, he could only describe it in music.

About the NSO

The NSO is a national project orchestra full of ambitious young students who, in addition to their studies, are involved in classical music at a high level. Every year in February, the NSO gives concerts throughout the Netherlands.