UCLA Philharmonia performs Gustav Mahler's epic Symphony No. 6 (“Tragic”). Composed during a time of personal fulfillment and worldwide professional success, this four-movement, 80 minute symphony is nonetheless turbulent and relentlessly serious, exploring the far extremes of human emotion. Mahler deploys a gigantic orchestra, including his first use of Almglocken (cowbells) and an instrument he created, the so-called “Mahler Hammer,” which delivers “blows of fate” in the Symphony’s Finale. The composer once wrote, "A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything." Never is this more true than for the taut and kaleidoscopic Sixth.
UCLA Philharmonia is the flagship orchestra of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and one of Southern California’s premiere training orchestras. Focusing on both the core symphonic and operatic repertoire, and the best in contemporary and rarely-performed works, Professor Neal Stulberg has led the group since 2005.
This event is made possible by the David and Irmgard Dobrow Fund. Classical music was a passion of the Dobrows, who established a generous endowment at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music to make programs like this possible. We are proud to celebrate this program as part of the 2024-25 Dobrow Series.