Masters of Mahler in Frankfurt

Almost 115 years to the day after composer Gustav Mahler first conducted his own work in Frankfurt, the Gewandhausorchester brings the majestic mystique of Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 to the venerated Alte Oper.

Frankfurt’s old opera house is a resilient stronghold of classical music, and much like the Gewandhausorchester itself, has unique ties to the Mahler tradition. Originally financed by the citizens of Frankfurt and inaugurated in 1880, the building was largely destroyed in World War II. In the decades to follow, the people of Frankfurt campaigned for its reconstruction, until at last, in 1981, it was reopened to the sounds of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8.

Now, Symphony No. 7 is on the bill when the world’s oldest civic orchestra takes to the stage in Frankfurt under the baton of Gewandhauskapellmeister Riccardo Chailly before kicking off their much-anticipated eight-date tour of Asia. Known internationally as one of the foremost authorities on Mahler interpretation, the ensemble unsurprisingly shares its own special history with the late-Romantic Austrian composer. For centuries it has been the orchestra of the Leipzig Opera. As second “Kappelmeister” from 1868 - 1888, Mahler conducted the orchestra in nearly 300 performances early in his career. During his last year in Leipzig, Mahler completed his Symphony No. 1 and what would later become the first movement of his Symphony No. 2.

Dexterity on stage and behind the scenes

From tiny Alpine villages to “ecstatic ovations” at New York’s Carnegie Hall, maestro Chailly has infused exciting new vibrancy into the players’ pre-eminent command of Mahler in its multicolored repertoire. March 10 will be a night to remember at the Alte Oper, when the touring musicians turn their magic to Mahler’s “Song of the Night”.

Just days later the acoustic thrill is set for a repeat in Shanghai, thanks to the perfectly synchronized services provided by Official Logistics Partner DHL. The virtuosos of seamless transport ensure the precision-timed, safe delivery of the orchestra's precious equipment during this spring tour so that audiences near and far can enjoy the Gewandhausorchester and masters of Mahler at their musical best.