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Kluxen – Mahler Symphony No. 5

10 May 2026 @ 2:30 pm

Mahler’s Fifth Symphony is undoubtedly his most famous work, and it contains echoes of some of the greatest highs and lows of his life. After surviving a near fatal haemorrhage in 1901, he composed the Symphony over the following two summers, during which time he met, became engaged to, and married the Austrian composer, author, editor, and socialite, Alma Schindler. Its serene fourth movement, the Adagietto, is a love letter–Mahler’s declaration to his new bride saying, “I am no longer alone, because now, I have you.”

Christian Kluxen, conductor

Now in his ninth season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony in Canada, Christian Kluxen is also in his third season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, following a five-year tenure as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Philharmonic in Norway.

Kluxen has been described in the press as “a dynamic, charismatic figure” who “forms the music with an impressive vertical power of emotion and a focus on the grand form”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth”. He is recognized for his sincere and transparent leadership, innovative programming and his bold, imaginative and energetic interpretations, showcased both in his MD and guest work.

Alongside his many and varied commitments with the Victoria Symphony and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, recent and forthcoming guest engagements include Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Pacific Symphony, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Odense Symphony, and Norrköping Symphony. A fruitful and inspiring relationship with the Arctic Philharmonic, whom Kluxen led for five years as Chief Conductor, resulted in numerous exhilarating performances of a wide variety of repertoire, as well as several acclaimed recordings.

Program notes to come.

GUSTAV MAHLER (1860—1911)
Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor
PART I
1. Trauermarsch
2. Stürmisch bewegt
PART II
3. Scherzo: Kräftig, nicht zu schnell
PART III
4. Adagietto
5. Rondo-Finale

Details

Date:
10 May 2026
Time:
starts at 2:30 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Royal Theatre
805 Broughton St + Google Map
Phone
250.386.6121

Concert Credits

Concert Programme

  • Mahler
    Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor

The Victoria Symphony performs on the traditional lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We extend our respect as well as our appreciation for this opportunity.