»Song of the Night«

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 7

Sun 1 Jun

11:00 am | Vienna Musikverein, Golden Hall

Listen to a masterpiece of extremes in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein - Gustav Mahler's 7th Symphony, also known as the ‘Song of the Night’. The UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra performs a benefit concert in aid of Caritas Hospice. Get your tickets now - before the night devours us all.

The interplay between emotional extremes - happiness and suffering, light and dark - is what makes Mahler's 7th Symphony so appealing. Composed in the idyllic natural surroundings of Lake Wörthersee, Mahler skilfully incorporated sounds of nature - herd bells and horn calls are easily recognisable. ‘Nature is roaring here’, Mahler himself said. He is said to have had musical ideas while rowing. From the sounds of guitars and mandolins to unleashed wind fanfares - Mahler pushes the boundaries of what is audible and ignites a firework of sound colours. Two night musics, to which the 7th Symphony owes its nickname, interspersed with delicate serenades and eerily beautiful sounds, create an almost cinematic drama. And then: a finale that triumphantly evokes the day like a victory march.

The UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra is one of the most outstanding youth orchestras in the USA and has been thrilling audiences for over 21 years under the direction of Music Director David Milnes. With 15 to 18 concerts per season, the orchestra presents an impressive spectrum - from baroque sounds to contemporary masterpieces, with a particular penchant for the music of the 20th century. The orchestra's young talents benefit from the expertise of renowned members of the San Francisco Symphony and Opera as well as guest artists, including musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic. Following the triumphant performance of Mahler's Fifth Symphony at the Vienna Musikverein in 2022, another highlight is on the programme this year: Mahler's Seventh.

The Caritas Hospice accompanies seriously ill, dying people and their relatives, because despite serious illness, there is much that can be done to maintain or improve quality of life.