Birthday Celebrations 07.07.10 Kaliste and Jihlava

[stanwilson]

Just thought I'd post a record of the Birthday Celebrations.

The day started in Jihlava (Iglau), where GM lived until he was 15. A new park and statue by Jan Koblasa, was dedicated to GM on the site of the old synagogue on Benesova Street, about 100m from the top of the main square.

In the afternoon, a fabulous recital by the IGMG's own Thomas Hampson was given in the birthplace house (now refurbished and opened as a Pension !) in Kaliste. Accompanied by pianist Wolfram Rieger, the programme included a variety of Mahler Lieder mainly from des Knaben Wunderhorn. I felt truly blessed to be there for such a unique performance in a unique place.

The day was climaxed by a gala concert given on the village green in Kaliste, where a large stage was specially constructed.  Solists including Thomas Hampson, Anne Sophie von Otter and Marita Solberg, were accompanied by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Manfred Honeck, and the Prague Philharmonic Choir. The programme included the "Totenfeier" and "Uhrlicht" movements from the 2nd Symphony, various Lieder, the 5th movement from the 3rd Symphony, and finished with the last movement from the 2nd Symphony from "Auferstehen".

And so a truly memorable day ended with the sun setting over the beautiful Czech countryside, and surely GM looking down from above with a rosy glow on his face !

[Mike Bosworth]

I just want to second Stan Wilson's glowing report on the events of 7.7.2010 in Jihlava and Kaliste.  It was indeed a wonderful and memorable day.  I only regret not meeting Stan Wilson there...!

When Mahler's statue was unveiled in Jihlava, the military band played an arrangement of the offstage band music from part III of Das klagende Lied.  I thought that was a great touch!

Mike Bosworth
Hanoi

[stanwilson]

And I thought I went a long way to attend !!!!

Perhaps we could arrange a meeting of any members who intend being in Vienna on 18/05/2011 Mahler 9 at the Opera anyone ?

[almatrip]

Wir hätten uns sowohl in Jihlava als auch in Kaliste am 7.7.10 treffen können; denn ich war auch dort... Schön!