Back in September, I blogged that the San Francisco Symphony’s recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 was “one for the ages”, just as the concert performances were the preceding year. Tonight, that recording won three Grammy Awards:
- Best Classical Album
- Best Choral Performance
- Best Engineered Album, Classical
Congratulations to Michael Tilson Thomas, Ragnar Bohlin, Kevin Fox, Susan McMane, Andreas Neubronner, Peter Laenger, all the soloists, orchestra, and chorus musicians, and everyone else involved in the recording at the Symphony and SFS Media.
Last week was also my first rehearsal with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. My first concert set will be Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 on March 11 – 14. The two soloists, Laura Claycomb and Katarina Karnéus, were two of the fabulous soloists on the Mahler 8th recording. After hearing so much great Mahler in Davies over the years, what a thrill it is to be rehearsing it with the SFS Chorus. Performing it should be amazing.
You're in for the experience of a lifetime. Having sung several Mahler 2nds with the BSO, I can attest that it may be the mostly emotionally satisfying piece I've ever performed. Not just the first time, but every time. You're lucky to do this with the SFS. Good luck!