Philharmonia Orchestra: Mahler’s Sixth Symphony
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- What you'll hear
- All about the music
Cinematic. Monumental. A conversation between friends.
Who’s on stage
Often seeming to almost dance on the podium, Marin Alsop is one of the most charismatic and engaging conductors around and a firm audience favourite. She brings with her London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, where she’s Principal Guest Conductor, as well as violinist Esther Yoo.
What they’re playing
Two chunky cuts of music – Bernstein’s Serenade (more accurately described as a violin concerto) and Mahler’s gargantuan Symphony No. 6.
Need to know
Discounts: save if you’re under 17, aged 18 – 30, a classical first timer, or a group of 10 or more people. Check the details.
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Age: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
What you'll hear
Leonard Bernstein Serenade
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 6
Who's playing it
Marin Alsop conductor
Esther Yoo violin
Philharmonia Orchestra
What's happening in the music?
Bernstein’s Serenade is inspired by Plato’s Symposium, an ancient Greek text where a group of scholars sit around drinking and talking about the nature of love. However no specialist knowledge of ancient Greece is required to enjoy this conversation between friends (well, between soloist and orchestra). Sometimes the music is rhythmic, sometimes playful, and sometimes slow and sentimental.
Cinematic, epic, dark and stirring, Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 is a piece of music that can almost be shocking in its power, and in the way it can turn on a sixpence, changing mood without warning. A top tier performance, as you’re surely get tonight, can leave you feeling wrung out, emotionally and physically – in a very good way.
Make the most of it
Tickets
Friday 20 November 2026
From: £5.00 - £55.00