Winter Concert 2023 - Mahler Symphony 5, Mozart Violin Concerto 5, Walton's Spitfire Prelude + Fugue

Life, Death and Marriage Mahler's Fifth Symphony comes in the centre of his epic cycle, a powerful reflection on death and life, and including a love letter to his future wife. Mahler began composing after recovering from a near death experience when he collapsed following an opera performance. After he resumed, he went to dinner one evening and met the beautiful but wayward Alma Schindler, and was captivated. He sent her the score of the Adagietto, without any letter; she understood at once and they were married within the month. Walton's Spitfire Prelude and Fugue was extracted from his music to the film The First of the Few, retelling the story of the birth of the famous fighter. We are thrilled to welcome Jordan Brooks who will be playing Mozart's 5th Violin concerto. The composer was only 19 years old at the time, but this work demonstrates some new ideas not found in the earlier concertos, and we see the further development of elements such as sonata form.