Kahchun Wong and the Hallé present a live recording of their acclaimed performance of Mahler’s Symphony no.2.

This release captures the January 2025 concert from Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. Rapturously received by the capacity audience and acclaimed by the critics, the Hallé’s performance of this monumental work marks a significant milestone in Kahchun Wong’s tenure as Principal Conductor.

Thought of as being the composer’s most ambitious search for the meaning of life, the Second Symphony is conceived and delivered on an epic scale, featuring soloists, choir and an enlarged orchestra. The music offers a directness of expression which transports the listener through a series of climaxes and reflections, culminating in a Last Judgement in which the composer said, ‘an overwhelming love illuminates our being’.

The release is accompanied by a personal introduction from Kahchun Wong, reflecting on what the music of Mahler means to him, and a programme note by Mahler expert, composer David Matthews.

‘A thrilling and radiant Mahler 2… Wong joins the Hallé at the height of its powers – and on the strength of this compelling Resurrection, he knows precisely how to wield them.’ – The Guardian concert review, January 2025

‘Brutal and luminous Mahler stirs the soul… Wong seems to both direct and reflect the music [and] the way in which he embodies the sound gets wonderful results.’ – The Times concert review, January 2025