Mahler's Symphony No. 2

Available for 29 days

A man stands alone at the grave of a friend. Shattered by grief, he shakes his fist at the heavens and begins a journey that will take him to the end of the world and beyond. The sheer ambition of Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony staggers the imagination — an emotional odyssey on a cosmic scale, embracing tragedy, hope, dark humour, and even Judgement Day itself. Written for an immense orchestra of over 100 musicians, every performance is a special occasion. This performance brings together the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the BBC SSO and their Conductor Emeritus Sir Donald Runnicles — an artist with a lifetime’s experience in the music of Mahler. In 1965, Runnicles sang Mahler with the Edinburgh Festival Chorus as a young boy. Now, he returns to lead that very same choir in one of the most powerful choral works ever written. Presented by Kate Molleson and recorded on 1 March 2026 at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor, ‘Resurrection’ Jennifer Davis, soprano Karen Cargill, mezzo-soprano Edinburgh Festival Chorus James Grossmith, chorus director Sir Donald Runnicles, Conductor BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert'.