Saved events

Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra/Dudamel

Mahler 3

Headshot of Gustavo Dudamel smiling at the camera while holding his baton.

Gustavo Dudamel returns to the hall at the head of his ‘other’ orchestra: the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. There’s just one work, but Mahler’s mighty Symphony No 3 is a stand-alone masterpiece. 

Famously, Mahler told Sibelius that a symphony ‘must be like the world: it must embrace everything’. And what a world is embraced by his Symphony No 3! The longest of Mahler’s symphonies it’s also one of the most ambitious. From the fruity 8-horns opening as Pan awakes, to the radiant love-infused finale described by one critic after the premiere as ‘perhaps the greatest adagio since Beethoven’, it’s a work of bold contrasts, exquisitely imagined colours, and all-consuming passions. Little wonder that after the first performance a 15-minute ovation recalled Mahler to the podium a dozen times.

French mezzo Marianne Crebassa ‘is truly a revelation’ insists Die Weld, while for the Los Angeles Times, ‘the overpowering grandeur of Dudamel’s Mahler Third is ultimately and irresistibly Utopian’.

This performance will end at approximately 9.30pm. Please note there will be no interval.

Produced by the Barbican

Digital programme

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.