Mahler's Eighth Symphony

“Imagine the whole universe bursting into song!” said Gustav Mahler about his great Symphony No. 8. To mark their 100th anniversary, the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra performs it together with three choirs: the Danish Radio Concert Choir, the BBC Singers and the Copenhagen Boys’ Choir. Conducted by Fabio Luisi, they are joined by a glittering line-up of soloists including Camilla Nylund, David Butt Philip and Christoph Pohl.

Also know as the 'Symphony of a Thousand' because of the great number of performers required, it is music that depicts the unfathomable and infinite with great beauty and energy. Mahler himself said, a few days after he finished writing the symphony: “It is the greatest thing I have ever created!”.

Recorded on 31 October 2025 at at the Danish National Concert Hall.

Mahler: Symphony No. 8

Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Danish Radio Concert Choir
BBC Singers
Copenhagen Boys' Choir
Camilla Nylund (soprano)
Valentina Farcas (soprano)
Liv Redpath (soprano)
Wiebke Lehmkuhll (mezzo-soprano)
Jasmin Jorias (mezzo-soprano)
David Butt Philip (tenor)
Christoph Pohl (baritone)
David Steffens (bass)
Fabio Luisi (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".