Making History with Mahler 8

This year, we are privileged to bring this monumental work to life in Perth, marking the West Australian premiere of a symphony that has captivated audiences worldwide for over a century. Its name reflects the huge number of people required to bring it to life – a massive orchestra and a vast choir, united to create a truly epic sound. Preparing for such a performance is a formidable challenge, both on and off stage. As we approach this historic event, we’re excited to share some behind-the-scenes detail of the West Australian premiere of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 at the Perth Concert Hall.

Lots of Moving Parts

The logistical planning required for this performance is on a whole other level compared to our usual concerts. Alan Tyrell, our Artistic Planning Manager, says, “The logistical planning for Mahler 8 is mammoth! On top of the huge orchestra, we also have to consider the schedules of 8 soloists, 4 choruses, a children’s chorus, and many piano rehearsals liaising with different Choir Masters. The logistics of seating (and moving) 270 choristers in the choir stalls and on the stage, the surtitle operations, the filming, and camera directing – all these details have to be carefully planned out and considered. It’s a lot to juggle, but I can’t wait for the concerts.”

Practice and Presence

Our soloists are equally excited about this monumental performance. Anna-Louise Cole (soprano), who is making her debut with WASO, shared her enthusiasm: “Mahler 8 is so huge and so complex. One of the things I love to remember is what Mahler said about the piece – that it is simultaneously a perfect symphony but also one which has the most beautiful instrument, the voice, as the bearer of the whole poetic idea, that love redeems all.”

Cole is relishing the challenge of performing such an epic work. “The first soprano part is quite unique in its demands on the singer, and it’s one of the most difficult things I sing. It requires everything I can give—endless high notes, pianissimi, the capacity to sometimes completely take over the texture and then to seamlessly blend with the other soloists, choirs, and orchestra.”

Ashlyn Tymms has kept Mahler’s own words top of mind while preparing to sing the mezzo-soprano solo. "Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. There are no more human voices, only planets and suns revolving." Tymms added, “Mahler's 8th Symphony is a piece that I had been hoping to sing at least once in my career, to be part of this awe-inspiring musical experience, engulfed in the grand, transcendent wave of sound and emotion.”

Deborah Humble (mezzo-soprano) said being on stage with such a large group of musicians is uncomparable. “From a singer-soloist perspective, it is exciting mostly due to the incredibly large forces involved. There’s really no feeling like having the entire stage vibrate beneath your feet. The work isn’t easy to learn from a harmonic perspective but the performance of it, usually reserved for special or celebratory occasions, is always memorable.”

David Greco (baritone) summed it up beautifully, saying, “I find this work of Mahler slightly overwhelming in its scope, yet deeply comforting in its message. It is a celebration of life and a defining human statement. And it’s a bloody great sing for everyone on stage!”

Hugh Lydon, Chorus Master of Aquinas College Schola Cantorum and preparer of the West Australian Opera Chorus singers reflects, “As an educator, you try to find patterns within any work, to allow the singers under your care to gain confidence as quickly as possible. This was the case for both the Aquinas College Schola Cantorum and the singers of the WA Opera Chorus with this masterwork. The goal of any musician should be to generate the strongest possible emotional response in the listener, and I believe that all the singers will certainly achieve that!”

Samantha Clarke (soprano) described being part of the West Australian premiere as a privilege. “To be on stage with hundreds of other musicians working together to create joy and bring hope to audiences through this amazing score is such an honour and will not be lost on me when I am standing up there. I am so excited to be a part of this epic piece.”

You can’t help but get excited about the work when talking to Paul O’Neill (tenor), whose enthusiasm is infectious. “This is my first Mahler 8 and I LOVE…THIS…PIECE! Everything from the music, the text and the sheer scale and power of it is breathtaking.”

Derek Welton (bass) says this piece is all about unity. “The piece unites hundreds of musicians: the massive forces required always involve collaborations between multiple groups. In Perth we see instrumentalists from the ANAM working with the WASO, choristers from five choirs as well as a whopping eight soloists, all united by one conductor (and multiple chorus masters).”

The sense of unity doesn’t stop at the combined musical forces. Welton also notes how Mahler has combined texts and themes to create something entirely new. “The text unites parts of one of the greatest works of German literature with an ancient Latin prayer, which both share the theme of redemption through love. The music unites many disparate themes, culminating in the epic Chorus Mysticus at the end. In almost the entire time since the piece was premiered, humanity could have done with more unity and redemption through love; now as much as ever."

The West Australian premiere of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 is not just a highlight of the concert season; it is a landmark event in the cultural history of our state. Join us at the Perth Concert Hall and witness the magic of Mahler’s music – a performance that will resonate in your memory long after the final note has faded.

Mahler 8
13 & 14 September, Perth Concert Hall
Tickets on Sale now.

Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. 

This concert is presented by West Australian Symphony Orchestra in association with Australian National Academy of Music, Aquinas College Schola Cantorum, WA Opera Chorus, UWA Symphonic Chorus and Voyces.

Mahler 8 is supported by Alan Whitham.