Mahler Symphony No. 3 in D Minor

What better way to kick off Gemma New’s first full year as NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor than with one of the greatest symphonies of all time? Mahler’s Third Symphony is a colossal monument in the orchestral repertoire, requiring a giant orchestra, singers from Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir, a children’s choir, and a mezzo-soprano soloist. In this work, Mahler interrogates and portrays gorgeous life itself – summer, nature, humanity, heaven and love.

Renowned mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke returns to our shores to perform in this masterful work. Described as being “equal parts poise, radiance, and elegant directness” (Opera News), she gained particular acclaim for originating the female lead in John Adams’ opera Doctor Atomic. Comfortable singing everything from Mozart to Missy Mazzoli, she has made a specialty of gilding Mahlerian repertoire with her “bewitchingly lustrous” sound (New Zealand Herald).