Glacier Symphony season finale to showcase over 165 musicians in Mahler’s 2nd Symphony

In a grand conclusion to Season 43, Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale will be performing Mahler’s monumental “Resurrection” Symphony on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. at the Wachholz College Center. 

Regarded by musicians as a great feat of technique, complexity and endurance, this work calls for over 165 performers, including an orchestra of 100, full chorale, and vocal soloists, all under the direction of Maestro John Zoltek. 

Tickets can be purchased at glaciersymphony.org.

Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony explores on a massive musical scale the existential questions of life and death in personal and universal terms. It is known for being one of the most dynamic and moving works in the symphonic repertoire. 

Featured soloists will include soprano Jessica Beebe, lauded by Opera News for her “radiant solo singing,” and mezzo-soprano Guadalupe Paz with the National Opera Company of Bellas Artes in Mexico City. 

A special Appreciation and Awards Night on May 30, starting at 5:30 p.m., will offer much-deserved applause to those who make the symphony's season possible, from sponsors and donors to community partners, musicians and audience members. All are invited to partake in appetizers, charcuterie and wine, and at 6 p.m., to celebrate as the Glacier Symphony recognizes outstanding individuals through three new awards: the Legacy Season Sponsor Award, Distinguished Board Service Award, and the Heart of the Symphony Award. 

Maestro John Zoltek extends a personal invitation to this powerful, final concert of Season 43.

“Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, ‘Resurrection,’ is one of the most important works from the late 19th century, the final movement of which is a profoundly moving cataclysm of sound that only Mahler could conjure, bearing both audience and musicians towards the heavens — a spiritual union, through music, with the divine," he said. "This monumental finale is like none other in the repertoire and is the greatest since Beethoven’s 9th ‘Ode to Joy!’ The otherworldly concept of this symphony stands alone as a monumental achievement in aspirational pre-modern expression of humanity’s striving, from one of our most relevant composers. We look forward to bringing this masterpiece to life for our audience.”

    Guest mezzo-soprano Guadalupe Paz will perform with the Glacier Symphony. (Courtesy photo)
  

    Guest soprano Jessica Beebe will perform with the Glacier Symphony. (Courtesy photo)