Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: Mahler's Ninth Symphony

Mahler’s great farewell to life is performed by Mahler’s own orchestra: the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Ádám Fischer.

The very first bars of Mahler’s Ninth seem to falter. The stricken composer put the rhythm of his failing heart into the orchestra – and began his Ninth Symphony with a sigh of farewell. You’ll hear it all, because no orchestra understands this music more instinctively than the Vienna Philharmonic.

But that’s the beginning, not the end, and over eighty minutes of music Mahler wrings every last drop of love, terror and sweetness from a life devoted to the human spirit. The Barbican is London’s home of great international orchestras but even so, the chance to hear the Vienna Philharmonic play the Ninth under the baton of Ádám Fischer – with whom they’ve worked for nearly five decades – makes this a real date for the diary.

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Composer Focus – Episode 3: Gustav Mahler with Sir Antonio Pappano

In episode three, host Edward Seckerson is joined by conductor and pianist Sir Antonio Pappano to discuss Gustav Mahler, whose extreme, powerful and raw symphonic writing stretches both conductors and orchestras to their limits.

an orchestra playing classical music in the barbican hall in central london

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Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.