Mahler in Amsterdam, 9 May 2025

Just back from the first concert - of ten - in the 2025 Concertgebouw Mahler Festival. This being my first visit to Amsterdam it was also my first experience - of ten - of the legendary Concertgebouw concert hall.

Klaus Mäkelä conducted the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Proceedings opened with the premiere of a new work, Hell Mountain, a homage to Mahler by Swedish composer Anders Hillborg. I loved it.

After interval was Mahler 1. It was so good. So, so good. I'd heard the Concertgebouw Orchestra before (a shattering Mahler 5 in Leipzig two years ago) so my expectations were high. Hearing them play Mahler in their hall...I have no words. Mäkelä just gets this music right and this orchestra knows how it goes. The next nine nights continue the journey; different orchestras, different conductors.

First posted on Facebook