Symphony of A Thousand by Mahler, Sun 30 Apr 2017, From (2017/2017), Conductor Eliahu Inbal, Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany

The »Symphony of a Thousand« is the nickname of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, and it bears this name for a reason. With its large orchestration, including many vocal soloists and choirs, it has a fullness of sound that reaches almost operatic proportions. Hamburg’s General Music Director Kent Nagano has regretfully had to cancel his participation due to health reasons. The Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal will be stepping in for him. Mahler’s music has accompanied the empathic conductor for many years, especially since he followed Mahler’s footsteps and became head of Hamburg’s Opera House. One could say that the two are kindred spirits. For Mahler’s monumental work, Nagano recruits wonderful soloists and his powerful opera ensemble. Joining them on stage: the renowned Stuttgart light artist rosalie, who previously designed the lighting for Wagner’s »Ring« at the Bayreuth Festival. She contributes an additional visual layer to the concert.