Concertgoers have a chance to hear the symphony that changed music forever when Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 Titan comes to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) this weekend, September 28 & 29 at the Centennial Concert Hall.

“I must admit that the exact statistics are still to be researched, but I am confident that Mahler’s 1st Symphony ‘Titan’ has become a clear champion when it comes to Music Directors’ ‘inaugural’ concert programs,” said Daniel Raiskin, Music Director. “This [is a] unique milestone of symphonic music, a symphony that forever changed the course of music history for my first Classics series program as the WSO’s Music Director.”

“Mahler is always an event for the orchestra. Every player, every section get their chances under the sun in Mahler’s music, covering the whole range of what the instruments can do both individually and in ensemble,” said James Manishen, Artistic Operations Associate. “Orchestral musicians work hard to perfect their skills over many years. Mahler’s music gives a constant reinforcement of why it’s so exciting to play in an orchestra.”

Joining the WSO this weekend is award-winning pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin, who will play Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Richard-Hamelin, a 2015 Chopin Competition winner and a Gramophone Magazine Editor’s Choice, makes his WSO debut with this concert.

After the concert on Friday night, the first Soundcheck event of the season kicks off with Dust Off The Dress. Dust off the Dress is a tradition where Soundcheck members (for those under 30 or full-time students) have the opportunity to dress to the nines to kick off the WSO Season. This year’s theme is Viennese Masquerade. Members can learn the waltz, decorate their own masks, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and Viennese themed desserts, and dance the night away.