The program travels across three very different musical landscapes, beginning with Gustav Mahler’s moving “Urlicht,” a deeply personal journey from uncertainty towards the hope of divine light. The concert continues with the wit, energy, and unexpected turns of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8. Although it is one of the lesser-performed works of Beethoven, it contains some of Beethoven's most strikingly original music, especially in the finale. 

The concert concludes with Max Bruch’s beloved Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46, featuring our concertmaster Mary Julia McKean as soloist. Inspired by Scottish folk melodies (including The Dusty Miller, I’m a’ Doun for Lack O’ Johnnie, and Scots Wha Hae), Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy combines lyrical beauty and dazzling violin writing to evoke the spirit and landscape of Scotland.

Featuring concertmaster Mary Julia McKean

Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 2 - IV. Urlicht

Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 8

Max Bruch - Scottish Fantasy, op. 46