The Mahler Chamber Orchestra, directed by the Czech Jacob Hrusa, has been the formation responsible for opening San Sebastián's Musical Fortnight this year. The EDP Foundation, in its quest to support and promote the best cultural initiatives, has sponsored the opening recital, offered by the Kursaal Palace.

On this occasion, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra has played a broad program in collaboration with the Donostia Choir. As opening, the formation chose Choral Fantasy op. 80, by Beethoven, and continued with Te Deum, by Dvorak. As main play, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra chose Symphony nº2 op. 61, by Robert Schumann.

Mahler Chamber Orchestra, an atypical formation

50 musicians from 17 nationalities are part of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Two of them are Spanish, the flute Júlia Gallego and the bass Rodrigo Moro. The recital offered in the San Sebastián’s Musical Fortnight included three soloists: the soprano Katerina Knezikova, the bassist Adam Plachetka y the pianist Seong-Jin Cho.

The Mahler Chamber Orchestra is an atypical formation, mainly because of its high adaptability. Since its birth 20 years ago, they have maintained a democratic management, in which decisions are taken by majority. They do not have a fixed director, they change the baton according to the circumstances and, far from maintaining a seasonal repertoire, they adapt the program to each performance.

San Sebastián’s Musical Fortnight is the oldest festival in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. This year’s program, which contemplates concerts for children, recitals of young promises and a cycle of old music, among others, will be extended until August 31.