Mood: Mahler and Wagner. World Premiere by Iain Grandage

The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), Australia’s most prestigious youth ensemble, returns to Victoria for two powerful performances with Mood: Mahler and Wagner, on Saturday, 13 July at Costa Hall, Geelong/Djilang and Sunday, 14 July at Hamer Hall, Melbourne/Naarm.

Music as stormy as the depths of winter, blazing with the fiery energy of the Australian Youth Orchestra. Under the baton of Nicholas Carter, almost 100 of Australia’s best and brightest young musicians assemble for some of the most momentous works of the orchestral world.

This is bold music. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of drama with Mood: Mahler and Wagner.

Mahler and Wagner were two formidable figures in an era when music was all about grand emotions, big sounds, and pushing boundaries. Wagner’s transcendent Prelude und Liebestod is a harrowing rumination on the perils of love, and trembles with anticipation. Passion and heartache swell through the orchestra, stirring from the opening touch of the cello.

Mahler’s Symphony No.5 is bold. Hold your breath as solo trumpet commands its opening; the herald of a work that twists and turns through tension and tenderness. Out of the anguish of a funeral march unfurls the heart-rending release of the symphony’s Adagietto, one of history’s greatest love letters, rich with eternal yearning. Across 70 minutes of music, joy, grief and hope vie for their place in the spotlight.

Opening the program, the afternoon features the world premiere of Overt by Australian composer Iain Grandage. Each young musician shines in this concerto for orchestra, written in honour of Colin Cornish AM who led AYO from 2005 to 2023.