Mahler's marvelous ninth

At the age of 97, conductor Herbert Blomstedt is as nimble as ever on the podium, and he brings his wealth of experience to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra to scale the epic heights of Mahler's sweeping Ninth Symphony. While it was the last of the symphonies Mahler was able to create before his death in 1911, it is by no means the least and often presents a huge challenge to those who perform it thanks to its truly enormous scope. Don't miss this performance of the renowned work, conducted by a true master.

Although death is the overarching theme of the symphony's four movements, it doesn't result in a soul-sapping funeral dirge but rather life-affirming and exquisitely beautiful melodies and harmonies. Often hailed as a transformative experience, it takes the listener on a journey through the veil of world wars, tragedy and personal loss, so that they may glimpse an other worldly realm filled with dark fanfares, vibrant counterpoint and gossamer-thin moments of slow calm.