Jaap van Zweden & Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Mahler's Symphony No. 6

Jaap van Zweden & Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Jaap van Zweden has a long and close relationship with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Not long ago, they performed Mahler's Sixth Symphony together. Powerful, overwhelming and majestic, several US newspapers wrote about it. In this symphony, the 'Tragic', Mahler, among other things, takes a walk to the summits of the mountains, where it gets quieter and quieter until you only hear the cowbells somewhere far below.

Mahler's Symphony No. 6

In his Sixth Symphony, Mahler unpacks to the max when it comes to timbres. He prescribed 'lots' of harps, all kinds of percussion and - if possible - multiple celestas. The giant Chicago Symphony Orchestra takes a tour full of highs and lows. Blissful vistas and utter despair alternate. In the first movement, Mahler incorporated a theme to depict his wife, Alma. 'I don't know if I have succeeded, but you will have to make do with it.' Alma was deeply touched: 'None of his works came as directly from the bottom of his heart as this symphony.'

Mahler Festival

From 9 to 18 May 2025, Het Concertgebouw is organizing a major Mahler Festival for the third time. After the Mahler Festivities in 1920 and 1995, all of Mahler's symphonies will be heard again in the Main Hall. Among others, they will be performed by the Budapest Festival Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Orchestra, which was once conducted by Mahler himself. A selection of top soloists and choirs, led by conductors such as Iván Fischer and Jaap van Zweden, devote themselves to these monumental works. More information about the Mahler Festival can be found here.

Amsterdam 750

On 27 October 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th anniversary, marking a year-long celebration. Starting on 27 October 2024, a jubilee year full of activities for all Amsterdammers begins.