MasterWorks VII: Rhapsodies From Bohemia

The Canton Symphony’s 2023-24 season concludes with Rhapsodies from Bohemia! Many people think that Gustav Mahler was German or Austrian, but in fact, he was born in Bohemia, the western part of modern-day Czech Republic. We conclude our season with his epic First Symphony, appropriately nicknamed, “The Titan.” The first movement is like a musical sunrise. The third movement features a spooky, minor key setting of Frère Jacques – a popular nursery rhyme of French origin. Finally, the fourth movement crescendos into an epic, celebratory wall of sound that will bring the season to a soaring conclusion.

The concert opens with the music of Dvorák and Smetana, two Bohemian composers who took inspiration from their country’s folk tradition. We also feature mezzo-soprano Melanie Ashkar on songs by both Gustav & Alma Mahler.