Opening Night: Mahler Symphony No. 5
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Enhance your concert experience with the 'Mahler's Mixer'!
Add this exclusive pre-concert cocktail hour to your tickets and enjoy a drink ticket, hors d'oeuvres, and our signature cocktail, the 'Mahler-ita.'
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
Andrew Constantine, conductor
Benjamin Taylor, baritone
Join us for an evening of classical mastery during the Opening Night of the 2024-25 Season as we present an enchanting orchestral showcase featuring Kabalevsky's Colas Breugnon Overture, a vibrant celebration of Russian spirited melodies infused with a bright orchestral palette that sets a festive tone for the night. Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije takes center stage, captivating the audience with its witty and charming narrative, transporting listeners into the whimsical world of Russian storytelling. These light-hearted and comedic works are perfectly balanced by Gustav Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor, which explores the depths of human emotion.
"Mahler has a unique capacity for constructing his orchestration in a way that at times can be incredibly delicate with a lot of people playing," said Music Director Andrew Constantine. "You just have to be disciplined enough in yourself and collectively to recognize that and try and execute it that way." While Mahler’s symphonies are often notorious for their huge orchestras and thunderous sound, Symphony No. 5 demonstrates both its powerful and delicate sides, offering a symphonic journey from the lone trumpet statement of the opening bars to its triumphant finale.
As Constantine explains, "Anyone can blast their way mindlessly through a Mahler symphony. It’s the easiest thing in the world." However, the true mastery of Mahler’s work lies in the balance of precision and emotional depth, making this piece a fitting climax to an extraordinary evening.
Check out this article from Whatzup to learn more about what Andrew Constantine has to say about the other Masterworks featured in the upcoming season.
The WPTA INsight team sat down with Fort Wayne Philharmonic Music Director Andrew Constantine to discuss the kickoff to the 2024/2025 season.
PROGRAM