Utrecht Student Concert - Mahler's Third Symphony

The Utrecht Student Concert

With its 200-year history, the Utrecht Student Concert is the oldest symphony orchestra in the Netherlands. More than 90 students form the basis of the orchestra led by conductor Bas Pollard. In the USConcert, making music and having a good time are paramount. Various projects are organised yearly, such as last summer's in honour of the anniversary, a significant opera project.

Mahler's Third Symphony

Gustav Mahler's Third Symphony is one of the largest and longest symphonies ever. The work was completed in 1896 and had its full premiere six years later, in 1902. Willem Mengelberg was present and was so impressed that he resolved to perform Mahler's music everywhere he went for the rest of his life. The Netherlands owes its rich Mahler tradition to the Third Symphony. In this symphony, we take a journey through earthly life. We hear about mountains, plants, flowers and animals, humans are examined, and we conclude with an ode to divine love. Mahler wrote the symphony in a unique 'composing house' in Steinbach am Attersee, in the middle of nature. It was quiet enough there to compose in peace, and he had a beautiful view of a lake, the mountains, the meadows and the forest. When his friend Bruno Walter visited and marvelled at the beautiful surroundings, Mahler said: 'You don't have to look around here anymore, Walter, I have already composed it all together.'