A second performance of the Aurora Orchestra’s celebrated from-memory Mahler First — a dramatic musical and theatrical exploration conducted by Nicholas Collon.
Programme
Mahler Symphony No. 1 in D major (performed from memory)
Natalie Lewis (mezzo-soprano)
Aurora Orchestra
Conductor: Nicholas Collon
Sunday 2 August 2026 · 11am–c1.15pm
Royal Albert Hall
Listen on BBC Radio 3 / BBC Sounds
Preview
Thoroughly Good has mixed feelings about Aurora Orchestra’s annual appearance at the BBC Proms. The format – dramatised first half followed by a complete performance of a symphonic work in the second half, always played from memory. It’s a significant undertaking and to a certain extent an awe-inspiring one. There’s also an argument for saying that the style of playing benefits too resulting in a more energised, more urgent kind of performance. At the same time, the scripted first half can have a mildly fresh out of drama college vibe to it. The memorised performance element also risks hyping such that the music itself is masked by spectacle. Skip the first half, listen to the second. Avoid any whiff of people being excited or amazed.
This year, Aurora are performing Mahler’s first symphony twice at the Royal Albert Hall. Mahler’s writing is highly programmatic. If you’re new to Mahler’s symphonies (but you’re familiar with Beethoven), think Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony on steroids in the first and second movement. Frère Jacques will be instantly recognisable at the beginning of the third movement. Storm-laden melodrama opens the final movement. The concluding climax is unapologetically celebratory with brassy fanfares, whistling strings, and rumbling percussion. In the timeline of symphonic writing – Mahler’s first is written 60 years or so after Beethoven’s ninth – the intense detail baked into the score is breathtaking, as though the composer has taken delivery of a Maserati and insisted he demonstrate to us all exactly what it’s capable of.
Review
This review will be published following the concert.
Gallery
Photography will be added once available.
