Unfortunately Mark Wigglesworth is indisposed and so will not be conducting the Alma and Gustav Mahler concert tonight. He is being replaced by Kensho Watanabe.
The radiant Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill has long championed the songs of Alma Mahler alongside those of her more famous husband, Gustav. It is a miracle they exist at all since Mr Mahler insisted that Mrs should “devote yourself to me unconditionally”, and cease composing. Characteristically, she did not pursue her composing career in public.
These orchestral versions showcase them alongside Gustav Mahler’s heavenly symphony, a piece he compared to “…the blue of the sky.” Saving the best until the last, Cargill completes the evening in the symphony’s touching, closing song – a child’s vision of heaven where angels bake the bread and St Peter fishes from a limitless pond.
Mozart: Overture, Idomeneo
Alma Mahler [arr Colin & David Matthews]: Seven Songs
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No 4
Kensho Watanabe: Conductor
Karen Cargill: Mezzo-Soprano
Composer Insights: 6.45pm Panel discussion on the life and music of Alma Mahler with Author Cate Haste and SCO Creative Learning Director Kirsteen Davidson Kelly.
Proudly sponsored by Turcan Connell
SCO 2019/20: Alma and Gustav Mahler