Season Opening: Mahler 2 and Fujikura

The evening

A celebratory new work to launch the LSO’s 2026/27 season, and an epic voyage from the depths of despair to glorious rebirth.

Sweeping across 90 minutes, Mahler’s mighty ‘Resurrection’ Symphony grapples with themes of life, death and ardent faith, in music of virtually unparalleled poignancy and overwhelming power.

Dai Fujikura’s new work Amber Alchemy was inspired by the bees in the rooftop hives at the London offices of Japanese financial services group Nomura, who commissioned the work for their centenary celebrations.

Mahler calls for a huge orchestra, including ten horns and eight trumpets, plus, in the final movement, two singers and chorus. The LSO and its Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano are joined by seasoned Mahlerians, soprano Maria Bengtsson and mezzo-soprano Noa Beinart, bolstered by the vocal weight of the London Symphony Chorus.

The work of the Chief Conductor with the LSO is generously supported by Alex & Elena Gerko, and members of the Chief Conductor’s Circle.