The Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) will return to the Great Hall at the University of Reading this autumn for a rare and emotionally charged performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9. The concert takes place on Saturday 25th October at 7:30pm, marking the orchestra’s first Mahler performance since 2018.
Widely regarded as Mahler’s farewell to life, the Ninth Symphony explores themes of mortality and acceptance. Mahler’s four-year-old daughter had died just two years before he composed it, and he had recently been diagnosed with a heart condition, but it’s not a work of morbid introspection - it’s full of colour, contrast, and emotional range. From lilting folk tunes to heroic struggle, biting satire, and a devastatingly moving ending, as the strands of life dissolve.
As always, APO’s celebrated Concert Virgin scheme offers free tickets - no questions asked - to anyone who’s never experienced a live orchestral performance. It’s our way of welcoming newcomers to the magic of classical music. These complimentary tickets can be reserved via the APO website.
Standard ticket prices are:
£15 for adults (18+)
£10 for under 18s
£7 for members of APO Young, our free fan club for 5–15 year olds
All tickets are available at: www.apo.org.uk/next-event
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