Conductor	Russell Keable
Mezzo Soprano	Stephanie Lewis
Soprano	Rachel Nicholls

MAHLER'S 2ND SYMPHONY - THE RESURRECTION

On hard-won wings, in love's ardent aspiration I shall soar
aloft to the light that no eye has seen. I shall die in order to live’

Mahler’s second symphony was performed by the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with local choirs who are members of Peterborough Music Making. This was the largest classical music event in Peterborough for more than a decade, and comprised a performance of this great work, which was written for the largest orchestra imaginable at the start of the 20^th century, featuring an extended orchestra and full chorus with soloists.  The concert was an absolute triumph and we haev received nothing but good reports from all who were in the sell out audience. The magnificent surroundings of Peterborough Cathedral were the ideal backdrop for this mighty work with offstage musicians taking full advantage of the ambience of the building..

 The 2^nd Symphony remains one of Mahler’s most popular works.  The composer himself had a special attachment to this symphony and conducted it thirteen times.  Mahler eloquently guides the listener along a profound emotional journey, exploring themes of grief, mortality and humanity.  From the dramatic and stormy funeral march of the opening movement, through themes based on Austrian peasant dances to the finale - the audience were enthralled!

 The apocalyptic finale plots a tumultuous course towards resurrection, ending joyfully and triumphantly with orchestra and chorus, soloists soaring and bells pealing.  Mahler described his idea of resurrection, ‘There is no judgment, no sinners, no just men, no great and no small; there is no punishment and no reward. A feeling of overwhelming love fills us with blissful knowledge and illuminates our existence.’  Mahler’s second symphony is a powerful expression of hope and was an inspiration to all who heard it.

Stephanie Lewis		Russell Keable		Rachel Nicholls