Mahler's Symphony No. 4

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor
Sheku Kanneh-Mason Cello
Pretty Yende Soprano

Xi Wang Ensō  (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission)
Haydn Cello Concerto in D major
Mahler Symphony No. 4

Program Notes

Inspired by a child’s idea of heaven, Gustav Mahler composed “The Heavenly Life,” which became the foundation of his celestial Fourth Symphony. Soprano Pretty Yende’s tremendous talent soars in one of Mahler’s best-loved works. Xi Wang’s Ensō, named for a sacred Buddhist symbol meaning the Circle of Enlightenment, considers the flow and togetherness of nature and people. 

Press
The Philadelphia Inquirer: “Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason goes from a royal audience to right here in Philly”