Fritzsch Grand Finale:
Mahler 3
“Wouldn’t you just die without Mahler?” So goes that famous line from the play and film, Educating Rita. And if your sentiments echo the statement or even if you just quite like the impassioned symphonic works of the late-Romantic era composer, you won’t want to miss Mahler’s Symphony No.3 in Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s final performance conducted by Maestro, Johannes Fritzsch.
Fritzsch has been Chief Conductor of the QSO for seven years after having been associated with numerous orchestras and opera companies throughout Europe and will no doubt go out on a very high note with this, his Grand Finale performance, on Saturday, 29 November, at QPAC Concert Hall.
“It has been my great pleasure to be Chief Conductor of this remarkable ensemble,” Fritzsch says. “The Orchestra has gone from strength to strength during this time, and I have overseen the recruitment of many new members.”
The performance of Mahler’s epic ode to nature (and his longest work at about 99 minutes) will be tinged with both joy and sadness at the maestro’s impending departure. Mezzo Soprano Deborah Humble and Voices of Birralee directed by Paul Holley will also be a part of this end-of-an-era event which will feature over 100 musicians under Fritzsch’s very skilful direction. There’ll also be a free pre-concert talk with Dr. Michael O’Loghlin at 7pm.
by Vicki Englund