
CSO gives a sneak peek of its big Amsterdam trip with upcoming Mahler concerts
Forget Lollapalooza and all the rest. The hottest festival ticket happens just once a generation, if not once a lifetime.
That would be the Mahler Festival, a musical G20 summit of sorts celebrating the life and legacy of Gustav Mahler. From May 8 to 18, orchestras from around the world will convene in Amsterdam to perform the composer and conductor's complete orchestral works, marathon-style.
This year's Mahler Festival is notable for two reasons. First off, it's just the third in history: The festival was founded in 1920, and its last iteration was in 1995. Second, an orchestra from the Americas has never been invited to participate until this year — a distinction reserved for our very own Chicago Symphony.
'It has been sold out already for one year,' conductor Jaap van Zweden says of the CSO's festival appearances. 'Everybody is really excited, of course, for the festival itself. But also, having the Chicago Symphony there is a huge honor for us.'
With its music-director-to-be, Klaus Mäkelä, already booked to lead Amsterdam's own Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the CSO will play Mahler's Sixth and Seventh symphonies with van Zweden. The Dutch conductor already led an explosive Mahler 6 with the Chicagoans in 2022; he reprises it at Symphony Center May 8 and 9. Before that, he gives a preview of the Seventh for local audiences from April 17 to 19.
'The best thing would be playing (the symphonies) on a single night: 6, then 7 after intermission,' van Zweden says. 'That's impossible, of course' — that would be nearly three hours of music — 'but 6 and 7 are so related.'
Both symphonies contain some of Mahler's darkest and most uncompromising music. His Sixth Symphony, sometimes nicknamed the 'Tragic,' is, in van Zweden's words, 'devastating.' The Seventh, written just after it, seesaws between the 'demonic' and hopeful.
'(Mahler) is coming out of the woods. It's like there is still life after this symphony,' van Zweden says.
Even at personal and professional high points, Mahler's life was full of inner turmoil. He fretted over his tempestuous marriage, over his conducting responsibilities sapping the little free time he had to compose, and over relentless antisemitic barbs in the Viennese press, despite having converted to Catholicism to improve his professional prospects. His music is often haunted by death — premonitions that, in his case, proved correct. Mahler died in 1911 from illnesses exacerbated by a heart condition, at just 50.
'Although it's very tragic, thank god it all happened to him. Without these very deep life experiences, Mahler would not have made this incredible music,' van Zweden says.
Van Zweden's own connections to Amsterdam, and the festival, are multifold. An accomplished violinist, he was born and raised in the city. He left to study at Juilliard, only to be promptly tugged home: Bernard Haitink — at the time the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra's principal conductor, and later taking the same role at the CSO — invited van Zweden to become the prestigious orchestra's concertmaster at just 19. Van Zweden would play in the orchestra until 1995, when he began conducting in earnest. One of his last major undertakings as concertmaster was, in fact, playing that 1995 Mahler Fest.
'I think it helps tremendously that I've played all the Mahler symphonies, both on the podium and as a player,' he says. 'He doesn't give you the feeling of power, but it is a very powerful feeling. Those are completely different things. You are part of something very big and very emotional.'
Van Zweden has spent a good chunk of his career in the U.S., most recently as the music director of the New York Philharmonic. He shares that résumé line with both Mahler himself and Mahler Festival founder Willem Mengelberg, one of the only conductors to champion Mahler's music while the composer was still alive. Before his stint in New York, Mengelberg became the youngest chief conductor of the city's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in 1895, when he was appointed at 24. (That will make Mäkelä the second youngest when he takes the reins of the Concertgebouw in 2027, the same year he assumes leadership of the CSO.)
The festival invited van Zweden for his long history with the Concertgebouw and Amsterdam generally: One of the Mahler symphonies he played at the 1995 festival was, in fact, the Sixth. From there, the festival specifically requested he appear with the CSO — a testament to the orchestra's 'incredible history' with Mahler. The orchestra became the first in the U.S. to play the Seventh Symphony in 1921, shortly after then-CSO music director Frederick Stock heard it at the very first Mahler Festival.
The CSO would become especially associated with Mahler under the leadership of Sir Georg Solti, whose pummeling, precise recordings of the composer's complete symphonies won multiple Grammys. Through memorable performances, recordings and tours, Haitink and principal guest conductor Pierre Boulez also asserted the orchestra's identity as world-class Mahlerians.
'It's not for nothing that the Concertgebouw asked me to bring the Chicago Symphony with me,' van Zweden says. '(The orchestra is) legendary for its Mahler playing.'
Leading the orchestra in a setting as august as this, Van Zweden is looking forward to building on that history. But he stresses that these symphonies are anything but museum pieces.
'I remember coming to New York and doing a Mahler symphony with (specific) bowings. They said, 'Well, this is the tradition of Bernstein.' I thought, how interesting — because when Bernstein was in Amsterdam, he did a different bowing,' he says.
'So, what is tradition? All the different conductors who are coming will bring their own tradition, their own life, their own experience to the orchestra. Tradition is always something that needs to be alive.'
Hannah Edgar is a freelance critic.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
'American Pickers' Stars Mike and Danielle Reveal New Gigs Amid TV Hiatus
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. American Pickers stars Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby have been keeping busy with other projects amid their hiatus from the show. Newsweek reached out to Wolfe and Colby's representatives via email for comment on Wednesday. The Context American Pickers—a series about collectors in search of antiques—premiered in 2010 and quickly became a History Channel hit. The reality TV show was first led by Wolfe and his childhood friend, Frank Fritz, with Colby working as the office manager at Wolfe's antique store, Antique Archaeology. In 2021, Fritz left the show, and he died in September 2024 due to complications from a stroke. The program has continued with Wolfe's brother, Rob Wolfe. (L) Mike Wolfe attends the Ovation VIP Groundbreaking Celebration on October 22, 2014 in Franklin, Tennessee. (R) Danielle Colby attends the Metallica performance during day 2 of Lollapalooza at the Grant Park on August 1,... (L) Mike Wolfe attends the Ovation VIP Groundbreaking Celebration on October 22, 2014 in Franklin, Tennessee. (R) Danielle Colby attends the Metallica performance during day 2 of Lollapalooza at the Grant Park on August 1, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Morefor Ovation; Gary Miller/FilmMagic What To Know On Monday, Colby—who uses "they" pronouns, according to their Instagram bio—posted an update about their forthcoming burlesque museum, which is set to open on June 21. "We have our T-shirts in finally, we're just getting those up on the website... I love them, they're great," the burlesque dancer, 49, shared in an Instagram video about the Ecdysiast Arts Museum. "We had to order more because immediately people are wanting them, and we're so happy about that." They added that they "have some workshops coming," including a flexibility workshop. "Stay tuned!" According to Merriam-Webster, "ecdysiast" is defined as "stripteaser." Mike Wolfe has been making use of his other talents, too, recently starring in the 2025 film Day of Reckoning. He also renovated a rental property and announced last month that it's ready to book. "Two Lanes Guesthouse is officially open in LeClaire, Iowa! Just steps from the mighty Mississippi River and his flagship @antiquearchaeologystore, this cozy house is nestled in the heart of Mike's hometown," a message posted to Two Lanes Guesthouse's Instagram read on May 16. "It's filled with pieces he's picked all across the country—places with soul, history, and good people. Every item inside has a story, brought together to create a space that feels welcoming, personal, and full of character. It's a stay made for you and all your loved ones—a place to slow down, soak it in, and feel at home." On May 27, the 61-year-old shared an update on the Esso gas station he bought in Columbia, Tennessee. "When I purchased this Esso station in downtown Columbia TN, I knew that I was going to need a company that could match my passion and bring this place to life," Mike Wolfe wrote via his Instagram. "@living_exo absolutely nailed my vision and helped me make this ignored space into a spot where the community can gather and enjoy it for years to come. Thank you, @living_exo, y'all are the best!" In the comments underneath the post, he responded to an Instagram user who asked, "What exactly is it going to be?" "The tenant is [building] out a place called Revival. It will have food and cocktails," the television personality revealed. In March, Mike Wolfe announced a hiatus from American Pickers after feeling "overwhelmed with what I'm doing." "We haven't done that in 15 years, so that's going to feel good. For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going," he told People. "I think we're going to have at least four or five months off, so it's going to be good." What People Are Saying On social media, fans shared supportive messages to both Mike Wolfe and Colby about their new gigs. On Colby: Instagram user @bubbasmiley2 said of the museum: "So excited!!!! Let's goooooo!" @ wrote: "I need a shirt! Please take my money!" @the_crimsonidol posted: "So happy it's turning out so well!" On Mike Wolfe: Instagram user @qwk2temper asked about Revival: "We keep driving by, it looks incredible But when is it going to Open!!!!" In response, Mike Wolfe said: "It's been rented to a place called Revival there [sic] doing the build out right now." @ronald_e_telners added of the Two Lanes Guesthouse: "Nice!" What Happens Next American Pickers Season 27 returns on Wednesday, July 2, at 9 p.m. ET on the History Channel, per Parade.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Exclusive: See Stray Kids' Seungmin in a Behind-The-Scenes Pic From Burberry's New Festival Campaign
Courtesy of Burberry, exclusively for Teen Vogue Stray Kids know a thing or two about festivals. Before setting off on their world tour, the group spent the summer of 2024 racking up festival spots at BST Hyde Park, I-Days Milano, and Lollapalooza. Now, Burberry is using that knowledge to good use in its latest campaign, tapping Seungmin as one of its leading stars. Unveiled on June 5, 2025, Burberry's new campaign celebrates festival culture through a British lens, with videos directed by Kim Gehrig and photography by Drew Vickers. Seungmin is joined by the likes of Liam Gallagher, Goldie, Loyle Carner, Chy Cartier, John Glacier, Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung, Lennon Gallagher, Molly Moorish-Gallagher, and Gene Gallagher. 'Think of the campaign like a collage,' Burberry's chief creative officer, Daniel Lee, says in a statement. 'Candid moments capturing off-duty fans and headline acts in between gigs. Burberry sits at the centre of the summer calendar, it's both a means of creative expression and a go-to uniform for festival goers.' In order to be in the campaign, Seungmin took a break from his busy schedule to fly to London for the shoot. 'Everyone was so supportive and really seemed to enjoy and cheer on my energy, which brought me so much strength. I wanted to stay in London longer!" he says in an exclusive Q&A shared by Burberry. '[My favorite memory from set is] when I took the mic and filmed a performance scene with an Oasis song playing, I really got into it, and I was super happy because everyone seemed to enjoy it.' To celebrate the release, Teen Vogue got an exclusive behind-the-scenes picture from Seungmin's time on set, as well as the rest of his mini Q&A on festival experiences and essentials. It would be the moment on stage at last year's festival[s]. The memory of performing in front of countless fans with the sunset in the background still remains so clear to me. The sight of the audience's hands glowing in the sunset really tugged at my heart! Accompanied by the band's sound surrounding us, our music felt truly grand. Before going on stage to bring good energy to the fans, I always tend to listen to calm music and create a calm environment around me. I also eat a hearty meal beforehand and think about giving it all I've got on stage. I love performing 'S-Class.' It may be because the song holds a sense of pride, but even when the song isn't in the language of the audience, they still sing along and relate to it, making it feel even more special. It's always so amazing, and we are so grateful to see how much love people pour into our music and countless other things, even from so far away. Even though we all speak different languages, it seems that our hearts have become similar as they are connected through music. Since it's not an opportunity that comes easily, I think the big stage of a music festival is a really important and rare chance for artists to connect with fans. [What I enjoy most about festivals] I think would be the moment when everyone comes together as one, united through music. Even if we all speak different languages, we become one by following the same melody, rhythm, and atmosphere. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more style stories from Teen Vogue? Check these out: Where Did All The Tween Fashion Go? All the Beauty Products We Spotted at the 2024 Olympics 9 Sunscreens Teen Vogue Editors Swear By for Year-Round Protection From Rose Water to Eyeliner, An Ode to Middle Eastern & North African Beauty


Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Chicago Tribune
Tinley Park violinist who has played London, Paris and Broadway graduates to Grant Park Music Festival
All those hours of practice on the violin, first alongside her mother and later for hours on her own, have paid off for Amanda Schuler, who will be performing with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra at the Grant Park Music Festival June 12 and then at Lollapalooza later in July. 'This marks the first time in Lollapalooza history that an orchestra will perform solo on one of the festival's main stages,' said Schuler, who recently graduated as valedictorian from Mother McAuley High School in Chicago. 'We have been invited to perform at many places, but this one brought on the loudest cheers when the orchestra found out.' The free concert June 12 in Grant Park is a way to celebrate the orchestra's upcoming 10-day concert tour of Spain. Though Schuler, who lives in Tinley Park with her family, won't be able to make that trip, she said she is excited about being part of the concert. The orchestra will be playing its repertoire for the Spain tour. The CYSO's Kaiso Steelpan Orchestra will be performing in the North Promenade Tent. Schuler picked up the violin at about 3 years old and her mother, Dorothy, learned to play just so she could be there doing so next to her daughter. 'It was a great help to have her learning the violin with me,' Schuler said. She kept at it and auditioned for the CYSO at age 8, was accepted and started in the organization's Preparatory Strings orchestra at 9. 'I was eager to connect with other kids my own age who shared my passion for music, especially classical music,' Schuler said. Then every year she pushed herself to audition for the next higher orchestra. 'I was so excited every June to say, oh, I finally made it to the next orchestra,' she said. Along the way, Schuler said she found tremendous inspiration from Christie-Keiko Abe, her violin teacher for 11 years. 'She's helped me in so many ways,' Schuler said. 'She's such a positive person with so much energy and that energy she puts into making her students better. She really cares about her students, which is why I've been with her for so long.' Schuler said Allen Tinkham, CYSO's music director, had been a great influence, too. 'I think what makes him such a great conductor is he breaks things down into little pieces of music and he really knows how to identify problems in tempo, dynamics, etc.' she said. 'Another reason is that he relates it to the outside world really well, so if an instrument or brass is rushing, he says, 'Don't be in such a hurry to get there like cars on the street.' Her talent also was nurtured at Mother McAuley, where Schuler was concertmaster of the string ensemble each year. She was also Illinois Music Education Association's High School State musician in her sophomore, junior and senior years and part of the school's golf cart ride tradition. She also went to state for math each high school year. Plus she was invited to perform in one of her school alum's weddings. Schuler also won first place in two Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competitions, where she got to perform as a soloist at the Royal Albert Hall in London and Philharmonie in Paris, received the Music Inspiration Award from the CYSO, and was a finalist in the Houston International Music Competition and received an honorable mention in the DePaul Concerto Competition. She was also part of the orchestra's recording of Good Night, Oscar, which played on Broadway. Tinkham, the CYSO music director, applauded Schuler for her accomplishments. 'There are so many of our students who excel in all areas of their lives and she is a perfect example of someone who does everything she does to the highest level,' said Tinkham. 'She's so dedicated and she's one of those students we love to assign to special projects because she's dependable.' The program receives roughly 300 applications and accepts only the top 40, but also wants students who are well-rounded and making a path to other future careers. 'You know, one of the reasons we trademarked the phrase, 'Listen to the future,' is because that really is what you're hearing at the CYSO and not just the future of music, but the future of so many disciplines … law, medicine, business,' said Tinkham. 'This is what we mean when we talk about nurturing leaders on and off the stage. 'It's about so much more than just cranking out notes,' he said. Schuler will be attending Purdue University, majoring in nursing, starting classes this summer, and auditioning for their orchestra. She's been working for Adventures in Mr. Math, an online non-profit for gifted students, which she plans to continue. But the CYSO will always be with her in spirit. 'It's definitely been a big part of my life,' said Schuler. 'I will miss it, now that I have graduated, but I am happy for the friendships that I have made over the years.'