A Mahler Day to Remember

It was a Mahler May Day celebration like none other! In the final subscription concert of our 50th Anniversary Season, our “Mahler tribute of epic proportions [shook] the Kennedy Center” (Washington Examiner), and is not soon to be forgotten. With a huge orchestra, ten soloists, and children’s chorus from the Cathedral, the 160 singers from The Washington Chorus were surrounded by even more power to communicate this program of larger-than-life proportions.

The Washington Post described the performance as, “conducted with go-for-broke zeal … and a genuine feeling for the composer’s dramatic ebb and flow.” The review further notes the Chorus as singing with both “massive sound” and “wonderfully hushed singing.” Mahler lovers or no, there was definitely something for everyone on Sunday, from the a cappella version of one of the Rückert-Lieder to the finale of Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony.
In some ways, the concert was as much the Chorus’ own celebration of our 50th Birthday as it was a concert, but the response from the audience was simply overwhelming! One audience member said, “I think it was one of the most wonderful concerts I’ve ever attended … a monumental example of why this art form should always be supported.”

This quote almost fully expresses our mission; we want people to experience choral music that makes them excited and engaged, and we want to honor the heritage of this art form and build its (solid) future. We are so honored to be part of the choral community, and eagerly look forward to our next 50 years!

Our subscription series is over, but stay posted as we’ll host our 50th Anniversary Season Gala Auction in two weeks, and will be appearing with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra singing the Verdi Requiem in June.