Two Orchestras, One Message of Hope: James Judd on Mahler’s Resurrection

This performance unites DSO and NZSO on stage for the first time - as part of the DSO’s 60th Anniversary Series. What is artistically exciting — and challenging — about bringing two orchestras and a choir together for such a monumental work?

Having musicians from both orchestras on stage, sharing mutual respect for one another and for this extraordinary music, will be deeply inspiring. The challenge remains the same as ever: our combined endeavour to convey the truth of Mahler’s message of hope to the audience.

Mahler’s Second Symphony moves from darkness to transcendence. How do you shape that emotional journey?

Mahler’s score offers many clues. For example, he asks for a five-minute pause between the first and second movements, showing that while they are connected, we enter a different world. From the symphony’s opening tremor of sound, we must already have the final chord in mind.

The concert opens with Anthony Ritchie’s Fanfare ‘Kotahitanga’. How does this set the tone for the evening?

We asked Anthony to write a short fanfare that could lead directly into the opening of the Mahler — performed by musicians from both orchestras and celebrating the DSO’s sixty years of music-making.

What would you say to someone experiencing Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ live for the first time?

Simply give yourself over to the powerful experience.