BBC Symphony Orchestra: Schumann, Mahler at Barbican Hall

A performance of Mahler’s mighty ‘Resurrection’ Symphony is always an occasion. From its menacing opening to its delightful Ländler to the luminous choral crescendo leading to spiritual exaltation it’s one of Mahler’s most inspired works. Swedish mezzo-soprano Katarina Karnéus makes a welcome return to these shores, partnered by rising Israeli star soprano Chen Reiss under the baton of Conductor Laureate Jiří Bělohlávek . Another rising star is Swiss-born Francesco Piemontesi, a former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, noted for the intelligence and distinctive insight of his interpretations. He tackles Schumann’s Romantic concerto, a love letter in music to its first performer Clara Schumann.