The Romantics: Mahler 5 and Coleridge-Taylor

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto in G minor

Mahler Symphony no. 5

Elena Urioste violin

Alice Farnham conductor

Mahler wrote wonderfully about his fifth symphony: ‘This primeval music, this foaming, roaring, sea of sound,’ he said. ‘These dancing stars… these breathtaking, iridescent and flashing breakers…’

His pivotal symphony – premiered in 1904 – came at a time of turbulence and joy: serious health problems necessitating a break from conducting in Vienna, and his deep love affair with Alma Schindler, later his wife. The symphony’s 70-minute, five movement-trajectory reflects this journey from mourning to triumph; the exquisitely beautiful and personal Adagietto, unforgettable in Visconti’s film Death in Venice, is a rapturous love episode before the blazing, brass-led finale. Mahler’s fifth symphony is his testament to life, bridging romanticism and modernism: music that takes us to the edge of the abyss, offers us consolation, then passion.

Before that, the trail-blazing American violinist Elena Urioste performs Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s richly lyrical violin concerto, first performed in 1912. The son of an English mother and Sierra Leonian father, Coleridge-Taylor’s gifts as composer and conductor were cut short at 37, leaving us iconic, popular works like Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. His music is imbued with romantic melody and glittering virtuosity. Don’t miss this gorgeous concerto, delivered by its most celebrated interpreter.

‘It’s hard to imagine a finer advocate for Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto than Elena Urioste, who dispensed gleaming tone, flawless technique and generous expressivity.’ – The Dallas Morning News

Unfortunately Ben Gernon has had to withdraw from conducting this concert. But we are pleased to confirm that Alice Farnham will be taking his place. Alice is a British conductor, renowned educator and author, celebrated for her contributions to classical music and her advocacy for women in conducting. She has conducted leading orchestras and opera houses worldwide, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Southbank Sinfonia.

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