On Thursday 30 March we performed the second concert in our Mahler series at the Royal Albert Hall, part of our Journeys of Discovery 2022-23 London Season, with our Music Director Vasily Petrenko conducting Mahler's Second Symphony to a crowded auditorium.
Mahler’s ode to life may end in glory, but the route there is full of twists and turns. His Second Symphony is a panorama of life, death and resurrection, the musical equivalent of a vast Michelangelo mural. Joining the Orchestra for this transcendental symphony were the Philharmonia Chorus, soprano Elizabeth Watts and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnston.
All photos (c) Andy Paradise
"The conductor’s punctilious and unshowy direction, especially in this big space, forced you to lean in and really pick out the details. Those very much worth tuning into included the delicate tread of the second and third movements, sweetly and innocently painted by Petrenko rather than smeared in irony, with graceful string portamenti beautifully judged."
The Times ★★★★
"The choir, who have to wait patiently until half way through the fifth movement for their entry, were sensational; intonation was immaculate, ensemble was spot on, words were intelligible in spite of being sung at the quietest of pianissimi"
Bachtrack
I’m in tears. @VasilyPetrenko @rpoonline @Philchorus @jjohnstonmezzo @LizWattsSoprano all utterly extraordinary. I challenge anyone to attend to a concert like that and come out questioning the value of musicians. Even by the very high standards set for Mahler 2, that was special
— Toby Ward (@TobyEJWard) March 30, 2023
RPO, Vasily Petrenko, Mahler 2@RAH. Elizabeth Watts, Jennifer Johnston, Philharmonia Chorus. Epic and wonderful. What an audience too: all ages, silent and mesmerised-until their rapturous applause! Felt like a cultural ‘Resurrection’ balm in these troubled times. Bravi tutti!
— Vivien Munday (@VivienMunday) March 30, 2023
Superb rendering of Mahler 2 @RoyalAlbertHall. @VasilyPetrenko holding back tenors to a whispering breath was perfection. Sublime @jjohnstonmezzo giving it some. Well done @rpoonline, top, top performance. pic.twitter.com/XLXUwn8fpZ
— Tim Weller (@TimWell12219472) March 30, 2023
My first visit to @RoyalAlbertHall was unsurpassed with Mahler’s 2nd, Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra @rpoonline. What a moving experience! pic.twitter.com/uyCadDZYes
— Sergio Villicaña (@sergio_vim) March 30, 2023
"A finely crafted and spiritually uplifting performance."
Bachtrack
Find out more about our Journeys of Discovery series with Vasily Petrenko