Rafael Payare conducts Mahler Symphony No 1

From personal crisis to blazing triumph via music that sets out to seduce and to dazzle – the rollercoaster ride that is Mahler’s First Symphony under the charismatic Venezuelan Rafael Payare. Gustav Mahler poured his own life experience into his symphonies beginning with the First. In this work for huge orchestra, we feel both the wonder of nature and the pain of anguish. Still, Mahler uses simple, popular tunes and folksy rhythms to drive his symphony from horror to hope, and eventually to blazing triumph.

For this music that feels as real as life itself, we welcome the charismatic Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare to the BBC Symphony Orchestra for the second time. He brings with him Judith Weir’s brand new Oboe Concerto, performed by Nicholas Daniel, and Brett Dean’s remarkable orchestral depiction of ancient amphitheatres.