Sir Simon Rattle is joined by two international opera stars for a programme of sumptuous music from the masters of Romanticism, Strauss and Mahler.

Strauss and Mahler both shared the ability to exploit the full force of the orchestra, weaving moments of intense emotion into cinematic musical landscapes. This is especially true of Metamorphosen and Das Lied von der Erde. With Strauss writing his work for strings in the wake of the destruction of war, and Mahler’s symphonic settings of ancient poetry lamenting the death of his eldest daughter, these two sentimental works are laced with moments of heartache.

As one of the finest interpreters of Romantic repertoire, Sir Simon Rattle brings together Simon O’Neill and Christian Gerhaher, two of the leading performers in opera houses around the world, for this poignant programme: a portrait of love, grief and a reflection on life itself.