Albrecht’s Mahler 8 is a fierce struggle for redemption

By Jenny Camilleri, 24 February 2019

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“Live performances of Mahler 8 don’t get much better than this one by the Netherlands Philharmonic”

Reviewed at Concertgebouw: Main Hall, Amsterdam on 23 February 2019

Mahler, Symphony no. 8 in E flat major "Symphony of a Thousand"

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra

Marc Albrecht, Conductor

WDR Rundfunkchor

London Symphony Chorus

MDR Radio Choir Leipzig

Knabenchor Hannover

Gemengd Kinderkoor St Bavo

Camilla Nylund, Soprano

Klaus Florian Vogt, Tenor

Ailish Tynan, Soprano

Regula Mühlemann, Soprano

Janina Baechle, Mezzo-soprano

Helena Rasker, Mezzo-soprano

Tommi Hakala, Baritone

Shenyang, Bass-baritone

Weinberg’s The Passenger at Dutch National Opera

Clare Varney, 17th April

Tobias Kratzer's 2024 Munich production makes its way to Amsterdam, proving that Weinberg's opera has the power to transfix.

****1

Stikhina and Clayton shine in DNO's uneven Maid of Orleans

Eleanor Knight, 15th November

Director Dmitri Tcherniakov and a talented cast do everything to make Tchaikovsky’s opera work in Amsterdam, but problematic elements persist.

***11

Bats! Die Fledermaus is a fabulous flight of fantasy at DNO

Eleanor Knight, 5th December

Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus, was never meant to challenge grand opera for profundity and Barrie Kosky pokes fun at Viennese high society in his riotous staging.

*****

A Puccini hat-trick: Barrie Kosky directs Il trittico in Amsterdam

Eleanor Knight, 3rd May

Barrie Kosky brings his trio of Puccini productions to a close with another triptych: Il trittico in a triumphant staging.

*****

Oedipus Rex and Antigone a double triumph for DNO and DNB

Eleanor Knight, 9th March

When the director walks four weeks ahead of opening night, Dutch National Opera and Ballet hastily create a searing double bill of classical tragedy.

*****

Lintu and the Netherlands Phil wrestle for the soul of Shostakovich

Laurence Vittes, 4th June

“If you enjoy it... we are doing something horribly wrong”... ominous words to launch the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra's season finale at the Concertgebouw.

****1

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Jenny Camilleri

After completing her postgraduate studies in psychology at the University of Toronto, Jenny moved to Amsterdam, where she enjoys singing in amateur choirs. She loves all genres of classical vocal music, especially nineteenth and early twentieth century Italian and German opera and art songs.