Classical Preview: Hull concert date for a maestro of Mahler

“I think this is the first time the Philharmonia has appeared at the City Hall, and most certainly a Hull audience will never have had the opportunity of seeing Lorin Maazel,” says David Whelton the orchestra’s managing director.

Spending much of his life in the world’s great concert venues, it is now rare for a provincial venue to host the legendary conductor, particularly when he comes as part of an international tour featuring a cycle of Mahler symphonies.

“It just happened that we had one available date right at the end of the tour,” continues Whelton. “It seemed appropriate that a venue in the North should share London’s enjoyment in a series that has taken us five years to fit into his busy diary.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our journey through the cycle has been timed to coincide with a commemoration of the centenary of Mahler’s death in 2011, and is linked with the orchestra’s extensive tours around Europe and Asia.”

Already an octogenarian, Maazel was born in France, but brought up in the US where at the age of nine he conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He was then torn between a career as a virtuoso violinist and a life on the rostrum, the latter eventually winning out.

He made his London debut in 1960 conducting a highly acclaimed Mahler performance – a composer with whom he became particularly associated. In this programme he directs the high charged and dramatic Fifth Symphony, the concert also containing Mozart’s Ninth Piano Concerto with Lise de la Salle.

Hull City Hall, May 29, 7.30pm. 01482 300300.