Bolzano Festival Bozen 2026 - Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester

Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester

Philippe Jordan, Conductor



The Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester is one of the most prestigious training orchestras in the world, synonymous with artistic excellence at the highest level since its very beginnings. Bolzano has maintained a residency tradition with this ensemble for over 40 years — a relationship that also honours the legacy of Claudio Abbado and has durably shaped the city's musical identity.



For its Bolzano concerts the orchestra is once again conducted by Philippe Jordan, whose style is characterised by structural clarity, stylistic depth and vivid musical imagination. The first programme features Mahler's Symphony No. 7 in E minor, often referred to as the "Song of the Night". The five-movement work unfolds a multilayered sound world: from a mysterious twilight to the brilliant light of day, a nocturnal journey takes shape between chaos and order. Two movements of "night music" frame ghostly marches, ironic twists and moments of quiet reflection. Distant echoes, cowbells and lyrical warmth guide the listener from darkness towards a triumphantly ambivalent finale.



Programme:



Gustav Mahler

Symphony No. 7 in E minor