Artists
About this Performance
Mahler’s Second Symphony charts a journey from funeral to rebirth, from the terrifying to the transcendent. Its indelible power was memorably captured in the 2023 film Maestro. Gustavo Dudamel, an ardent champion of Mahler, takes on this majestic work, featuring soprano Chen Reiss, mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. “The effect is so great that one cannot describe it,” Mahler reflected of the symphony. “If I were to say what I think of this great work, it would sound too arrogant in a letter. … The whole thing sounds as though it came to us from some other world. I think there is no one who can resist it. One is battered to the ground and then raised on angel’s wings to the highest heights.”
A note from Gustavo Dudamel
Mahler’s Second Symphony is an event. In order to stage a performance, you first need a very large orchestra, then you need a full choir, two exceptional vocal soloists, and an organ. On top of these colossal musical forces, Mahler layers in nothing less than questions of life, death, and rebirth.
I first played Mahler’s Second when I was 13 or 14 years old, and I conducted the first movement when I was 17. As a young musician, I felt that this music was the closest thing to being in heaven, to being with God. Even Mahler described his work as coming from another world.
The LA Phil and I have gone on many journeys through Mahler’s music together, but we have performed this magnificent symphony together only once before, at the Hollywood Bowl in 2019. Now in my final season as Music & Artistic Director, I am particularly moved to join tonight’s amazing musicians in this exquisite hall to perform one of the most profound musical statements ever written. —Gustavo Dudamel
This performance is generously supported by the Colburn Foundation.
The following streets adjacent to Walt Disney Concert Hall will be temporarily closed beginning Friday, October 10, at 10PM through Thursday, October 16, at 6AM. An additional lane closure will be added on Tuesday, October 14, at 12PM to accommodate valet operations/gala arrivals. Guests for this performance are encouraged to allow extra time for navigating the street closures and arrive early.
- Full street closure of Grand Avenue (1st to 2nd Street)
- Westbound curb lane closure of 2nd Street from Olive to Grand
- Eastbound curb lane closure of 1st Street from Hope to Grand
Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability subject to change. Ticket limits may apply. All sales are final.
Enhance Your Experience
Upbeat Live with Christopher Russell
Event starts at 1:00PM
Before the concert, some of the sharpest musical minds around–including guest artists–guide you through the evening’s music. This free event is held in BP Hall accessible after your ticket is scanned.
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