Prepare for a breathtaking musical experience as the Australian World Orchestra (AWO) sets out to perform Gustav Mahler's Ninth Symphony in Melbourne, Wednesday 22 November, and Sydney Friday 24 November. Led by Chief Conductor and founder Alexander Briger, the AWO will summon the best Australian musicians from around the world for two performances that are sure to leave audiences in awe.
The AWO concerts come as the year becomes marked by Mahler, with orchestras like the London, Sydney and West Australian Symphony Orchestras, and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, among others, all performing his works. Briger is excited about the upcoming concerts and sees it as a fitting tribute to one of the greatest symphonic works of all time. "For me, it is perhaps the pinnacle of all symphonic music and to hear this extraordinary group of Australian musicians perform it was indeed one of my inspirations to form the AWO in the first place," Briger said.
Alexander Briger and the Australian World Orchestra. Photo supplied by AWO
Mahler's Ninth Symphony was the composer's last complete work, and it was written as a lament for the loss of his daughter after he received a diagnosis about his defective heart. The symphonic superstition of the "curse of the ninth," where a composer is said to die around the time of their ninth symphony, was born with Mahler, and his death before the completion of his Tenth seemingly ratifies it.
The AWO, which draws on premium Australian musical talent, features performers sourced domestically and internationally. Musicians are called back home for its concert series from some of the most eminent orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra continues to represent excellence, possibility, and vision, creating thrilling performances that inspire and challenge audiences.
Last year, the AWO under the baton of maestro Zubin Mehta, delivered a five-star performance, with Limelight reviewer Megan Stellar attributed its success to the power of homecoming and reunion. "By reuniting Australian artists from orchestras across the country with their colleagues in ensembles as far-flung as the United States, Europe and Asia, the orchestra creates a supergroup that is not only technically dazzling but deeply committed to the art its members are making together," wrote Stellar.
In 2022, the AWO toured Europe for appearances at the Edinburgh International Festival and the BBC Proms and announced a five-year partnership with the Melbourne Conservatorium in a show of support for emerging Australian musicians. The AWO was also named Limelight's 2022 People's Choice for Australian Artist of the Year.
If you are a fan of classical music and want to experience the pinnacle of symphonic music, then you must not miss the upcoming AWO performances of Mahler's Ninth Symphony. The AWO is sure to deliver an electrifying and unforgettable performance that will leave you in awe of the incredible musical talent that Australia has to offer.
AWO & ALEXANDER BRIGER MUSIC TO DIE FOR
Tickets On Sale Now at www.australianworldorchestra.com.au
MELBOURNE
- Hamer Hall
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- 22 November, 2023
- 1300 182 183
SYDNEY
- Concert Hall
- Sydney Opera House
- 24 November, 2023
- +61 2 9250 7777
w. www.australianworldorchestra.com.au/
YouTube Video: Ending of Sibelius Symphony No.2, conducted by Alexander Briger A short snippet of the ending of Sibelius's grand Symphony No.2 performed by the Australian World Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Briger. 2019 Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. Audio recording by ABC Classic, video recording by Arts Centre Melbourne, edited by Paul Hamilton.
