The New England Chamber Orchestra Opens 2024-2025 Season with Mahler’s Symphony No. 4

New London, CT – The New England Chamber Orchestra (NECO), a dynamic new ensemble dedicated to reimagining chamber orchestral repertoire, proudly announces the opening of its 2024-2025 season with a performance of a reduced version of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. This concert will take place on September 22, 2024, at 7:30 PM at Evans Hall at Cummings Arts Center in New London, Connecticut.

NECO aims to bring a unique and meaningful interpretation of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 to audiences. Under the visionary direction of Artistic Director Shou-Ping Liu, the orchestra will present an arranged chamber version of this monumental work, making it more intimate while preserving Mahler’s lush and evocative soundscape.

“Mahler once said that 'A symphony must be like the world. It must embrace everything.' Because of this, we tend to interpret this to mean that the bigger the sound is, the better. If one studies closely, however, Mahler has many chamber-like passages in his symphonies. This is especially true of the Fourth Symphony."

The concert will feature Lithuanian Soprano Jurate Svedaite alongside a carefully selected ensemble of 20 musicians, drawn from the finest talent in the region, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience. “Klaus Simon's version of Mahler 4 is the most performed version because it stays true to Mahler's sound world,” Liu says,” while asking fewer players to deliver the same vision. Only the best musicians are able to accomplish this." This reduced arrangement allows the musicians to highlight the symphony’s delicate nuances and emotional depth in a way that resonates profoundly with both seasoned aficionados and new listeners.

Performance Details:

- Date: September 22, 2024

- Time: 7:30 PM

- Venue: Evans Hall at Cummings Art Center, 270 Mohegan Avenue Parkway, New London, CT 06320

- Tickets: Available at www.theneco.org or at the Evans Hall box office

About The New England Chamber Orchestra: Housed in Connecticut College, the New England Chamber Orchestra is committed to exploring rarely performed chamber orchestral works and introducing them in their historic context. Each concert is dedicated to a specific theme that is relevant to what is happening in the world today. With a mission to make great music approachable and engaging, NECO is set to become a vital part of Connecticut’s vibrant cultural landscape.

For more information about The New England Chamber Orchestra, including upcoming concerts and ticket purchases, please visit www.theneco.org, or follow us on social media.