Mahler’s Third Symphony in Valencia
On 20 October 2026, the Iturbi Hall of Palau de la Música will host a performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor, one of the most ambitious works in the symphonic repertoire. Lasting nearly 100 minutes, this symphony is a sonic journey spanning nature and spirituality. The Valencia performance will be delivered by the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Adam Fischer, with mezzo-soprano Catriona Morison and the choirs Coral Juan Bautista Comes and Orfeó Universitari de València.
The work: structure and meaning
Mahler composed his Third Symphony between 1893 and 1896, conceived as a symphonic poem in six movements. Each movement bears a programmatic title reflecting his worldview:
- «Pan Awakes, Summer Marches In» – A grand opening evoking nature’s awakening.
- «What the Flowers in the Meadow Tell Me» – A delicate, pastoral scherzo.
- «What the Cuckoo Tells Me» – A movement with touches of humour and irony.
- «What Night Tells Me» – Here, the mezzo-soprano performs a Nietzsche text, with a mysterious and profound tone.
- «What the Angels Tell Me» – A children’s and women’s choir conveying innocence.
- «What Love Tells Me» – A serene and transcendent finale.
The symphony is renowned for its extreme contrasts, from raw, almost primitive passages to moments of ethereal delicacy, making it a unique experience for listeners.
The performers
- Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1864, it is one of Germany’s oldest orchestras, with a repertoire spanning from classical to contemporary music.
- Adam Fischer: A Hungarian conductor of international renown, specialising in Central European repertoire, with a distinguished career leading orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera.
- Catriona Morison: A Scottish mezzo-soprano and winner of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2017, known for her warm voice and mastery of the German repertoire.
- Coral Juan Bautista Comes and Orfeó Universitari de València: Two Valencian choral groups with a long tradition in symphonic-choral performances.
Concert details
The concert is part of the Palau de la Música’s symphonic subscription series, though single tickets are also available. According to the Palau’s official website, the event will begin at 19:30, with no specified door opening time. While no minimum age is mentioned, the work’s duration and complexity make it best suited for adult audiences or young listeners accustomed to symphonic concerts.
For more information about the venue, visit the Palau de la Música page.
