In his monumental 6th Symphony, Mahler bares the deepest, darkest aspects of the human soul in music that is by turns assertive, ironic, terrifying, lyrical, defiant, comforting and death-obsessed. The symphony incorporates themes that illuminate the tremendous passion Mahler feels for his wife, Alma, as well as the fierce struggles raging in his heart and psyche not to be overcome by the tragedies of life and the inescapability of death. Two short works serve as prelude to Mahler's colossus: Osvaldo Golijov's contemplative Deaths of the Angel (in its first Twin Cities performance) and Benjamin Britten's rarely-performed Russian Funeral, a solemn work which simultaneously evokes the spirits of both Mahler and Shostakovich. Come to the church early to bid on the wide range of items offered in the silent auction. All proceeds benefit The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.

William Schrickel, conductor

Osvaldo Golijov ­ Deaths of the Angel (for Strings)
Benjamin Britten ­ Russian Funeral (for Brass & Percussion)
Gustav Mahler ­ Symphony No. 6 in A minor, 'Tragic'

St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church 2323 Como Avenue West, St. Paul