Curtis Symphony Orchestra: Yannick Leads Mahler 9

Be transformed by the heartbreaking serenity of Gustav Mahler’s Ninth Symphony. Led by Grammy Award-winning conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this transcendent farewell—hailed as “the greatest Mahler ever composed” by Viennese composer Alban Berg—showcases Mahler at the height of his skill, pushing symphonic form to its limits. From its poignant opening motives to final tender notes that slowly dissipate into silence, follow a journey that celebrates the splendor of life—and the peaceful recognition of its inevitable end. Lyrical, searching, and deeply human, this monumental work unfolds with extraordinary emotional depth and color.

Setting the stage for this introspective program, Valerie Coleman’s Umoja—Swahili for unity—opens the evening. This stirring orchestral song harnesses the expressive power of the full ensemble to reflect our society’s challenges and tensions, ultimately “emerging into sunlit joy” (Philadelphia Inquirer)—and an undeniable affirmation of our shared humanity.

Please note programs and artists are subject to change.