Mahler’s great 2nd Symphony that was originally on the programme cannot, given the COVID situation, be safely performed. The Brussels Philharmonic and the Vlaams Radiokoor have chosen alternative programme, in which both ensembles can give of their best.
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Mahler sets the tone, Mendelssohn confirms - Fate Now Conquers!

For when fate strikes hard, we find strength in faith. Faith that takes a different form for each person:in a God, in healing, in a hopeful future, in the meaning of life, in each other.


Such faith also gave Beethoven strength, and despite the many obstacles that came his way, he wrote in his diary: “But Fate now conquers”. A gripping passage, which inspired composer Carlos Simon in 2020 to write a work to which he gave that as a title.

There is another who gave voice to faith and hope in his music: Gustav Mahler. His Totenfeier is one great funeral march, but later became the opening of his 2nd Symphony – a thundering work about the unwavering faith in resurrection.

Felix Mendelssohn was born a Jew and converted to Christianity, inspired by Luther and his Protestantism: the composer followed his own path as regards faith. The Bach chorale on which he based the final movement of his 5th Symphony – less well known but of masterly beauty – speaks for itself: “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott” (A mighty fortress is our God).

programme

Carlos Simon
Fate Now Conquers (2020)

Gustav Mahler
Totenfeier (1888)

Felix Mendelssohn
“Warum toben die Heiden“, op. 78, Nr. 1, Psalm 2 (1843)

Felix Mendelssohn
Sinfonie Nr. 5 d-Moll, op. 107, "Reformations-Sinfonie" (1830)

practical

🎟️🎫 €41 > €5

Venue: Studio 4, Flagey

Location: Place Sainte Croix Heilig Kruisplein | 1050 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2 620 41 10
Online: www.flagey.be

safety measures Flagey

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