Queensland Symphony Orchestra | Mahler 9

November 29, 2025, Brisbane, QLD

The stormy weather in Brisbane finally cleared on Saturday night, in time for QSO’s season closing concert in the QPAC Concert Hall. Conducted by Umberto Clerici, QSO presented Mahler’s turbulent Ninth Symphony, expressing the full range of human emotions.

This was a special evening as it was the final performance for two of QSO’s long-standing members before their retirement. Associate Concertmaster and violinist Alan Smith was retiring after 40 years with the orchestra, and violist Nicholas Tomkin after 28 years. Before the concert began, Alan shared a few words on his time with the orchestra, and special memories over the years. 

Mahler wrote his Ninth Symphony in complete solitude in a remote cabin mountain, surrounded by the mountains that connect Italy with Austria. He reflected on the meaning of life, as he came to terms with the loss of his young daughter, and his own health declining. This gave him space to process his grief and find spiritual enlightenment. 

The symphony began with a pastoral movement, evoking scenes of the European countryside with flowers in bloom. It started gentle, with sweet strings, then shifted into a darker, more melancholy mood. 

The second movement was a bright waltz, taking inspiration from folk melodies. The wind instruments fluttered like birds, and the strings swirled and flowed like a river. Again, the music depicted scenes of the countryside and nature.

In contrast, the third movement was an aggressive Rondo, with defiant brass and passionate strings. One instrument made a statement, then another followed in a heated argument. This tension eventually faded, allowing a tender theme to shine through. 

For the final movement, the symphony returned to its gentle opening, for a sombre and moving farewell. There was a final almighty crash, before it all faded away in a soft ending. As an added touch, the lighting of the concert hall slowly faded too, until only the conductor was left in the spotlight. There was a magic moment of stillness until Clerici lowered his arms, and then the audience burst into applause. 

This was a fitting end to QSO’s 2025 season and to farewell Alan and Nicholas. It was a welcome escape from the bustle of daily life, and the chance to reflect on something deeper as we enter the festive season.