Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Lawrence Renes conductor
Jacqueline Porter soprano

Program

Mahler Symphony No.4

About this performance

Consumed by his job with the Vienna Court Opera and with little time to compose, Mahler went almost three years without writing a scrap of music. When he finally began work on his Fourth Symphony he did so in the summer months – beginning the work at a lakeside resort in Austria and finishing it in his own second home on the Wörther Lake.

• Unlike his other symphonies, which often centre on explorations of the binaries of human existence – heaven and hell, good and bad, evil and charity – Mahler’s Fourth is tuneful and direct, exploring a charming, childlike view of the world.
• The first three movements lead clearly toward the finale, which includes the evocatively-named folk song “Heaven is Hung with Violins,” originally written for this third symphony.
• The visions of heaven that Mahler paints suddenly become clear as day when the soprano sings “we enjoy heavenly delights,” before imagining life in heaven. Dancing, playing, music, food (asparagus, no less!) and saints are described with playfulness and desire.

Duration: approx. 60 minutes with no interval

COVIDSafe information

Audience members are required to wear face masks at all times inside the Hamer Hall building and are recommended outside the venue, where 1.5 physical distancing cannot be maintained. Children under the age of 12 are not required to wear a mask.

Arts Centre Melbourne indoor venues are operating at 75% capacity so you may be seated next to other patrons.

Important venue information:
* QR code registration via a mobile device is required on arrival. We encourage you to download the Service Victoria app prior to your visit to ensure a faster check-in time.
* Arts Centre Melbourne is a cashless venue
* Hamer Hall foyer bars are closed
* No cloak room
* Box office representatives will be available to assist want any ticket enquiries