Singer

Mahler and Elgar were not just composers. They were both among the greatest conductors of their, or any, generation. Their deep experience on the podium, engaging on an intense creative level with the great works of the past, had a profound impact on their composition. Mahler's "touch-ups" of Beethoven's final symphony show Mahler's determination that his use of the orchestra be not just an end in itself, but a servant of meaning and logic of the score, while Elgar's Bach transcription represents something much more radical - a melding of two great creative minds. Elgar's own genius as an orchestrator may have even surpassed that of Mahler, all the more remarkable since he was completely self-taught - just as Steve Elcock was, whose 11th Symphony receives its world premiere on this thrilling and revelatory program.

EPSG:4326

Beethoven's Ninth (Mahler's Version)

University of Colorado Boulder

In the summer of 1901, Mahler's health crisis inevitably led him to think about his own mortality. This was one of his most prolific summers during which he composed several songs with texts from Friedrich Rückert's Kindertotenlieder. Mahler quotes from one of these songs on the final page of his Ninth Symphony. Mahler's wife, Alma, was not pleased at the subject matter, “For Heaven’s sake, don’t tempt Providence!” On this program we also offer the Clarinet Trio by Alexander Zemlinksy who was once in love with Alma Schindler, the future Alma Mahler.

Songs of Parents & Children

Boulder Public Library - Main Library

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the true story of the first Christmas Eve of World War I, when soldiers across the Western Front laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together. Based on the first hand accounts of soldiers who lived it, this beautifully staged play with music brings these stories to life with traditional carols and patriotic songs, sung a cappella by a cast of 12, celebrating the unique way that the holiday season can bring us all together.

Baritone

Andrew Konopak

Events

Past events

May 16, 2026

Beethoven's Ninth (Mahler's Version) · Colorado MahlerFest

May 14, 2026

Songs of Parents & Children · Colorado MahlerFest

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Kindertotenlieder by Mahler

Colorado MahlerFest

About

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