Chicago Symphony Orchestra

“From the eight horns’ majestic fanfare that opens the 100-minute journey (Mahler Symphony No. 3), this was a boldly projected and full-voiced performance, very much a young man’s Mahler. Yet under Mäkelä’s attentive direction, the long movement unfolded as a single whole without ever losing concentration or intensity. Every timbre and dynamic shift came across, from the softest bass drum taps to the grandest tuttis for the massed forces. The march-like main theme was taken at a measured pace that allowed the vast movement’s various permutations to make an impact, from ominous to stormy, lyrical to quirkily charming. The playing here was phenomenal even by local standards, with a thrilling exuberance that gave a clear sense of the musicians wanting to be at their best for their incoming conductor. Climaxes were overwhelming in force and sonic impact yet meticulously balanced by Mäkelä, with the crazed coda thrown off with whirlwind ferocity.”

Chicago Classical Review,  Lawrence A. Johnson, 4 April 2025


“ … Mäkelä’s (Mahler) Third dwelt on the CSO’s impassioned ensemble sound.  He had much to love: After a sleepy couple of months at Orchestra Hall, hearing the CSO give their all under Mäkelä was like a blast of fresh alpine air.”

Chicago Tribune, Hannah Edgar, 5 April 2025


“Mäkelä proved himself ready to join the line of conductors helming the CSO in sweeping-canvas music, with the melodies arcing, the transitions smooth and the extremes extreme.”

Bachtrack.com, Graham Meyer, 28 April 2025 


PROGRAMME:
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 3
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Wiebke Lehmkuhl (contralto)