The Second Symphony (‘Auferstehung’) is Gustav Mahler’s most spiritual work: the music deals with life and death, redemption and resurrection. The piece requires an exceptionally large ensemble with a full symphony orchestra, mixed grand choir, vocal soloists, off-stage orchestra, and organ.

Filharmonie der Aa from Groningen will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. For this occasion, the orchestra will perform Mahler’s Second Symphony in the Bovenkerk in Kampen and in De Oosterpoort in Groningen, together with the North Netherlands Concert Choir. To conclude this anniversary year, the final performance will take place on June 20, 2026, in the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Groot Concertkoor Amsterdam. Mahler himself conducted the Second Symphony at this venue in 1904 with the Concertgebouw Orchestra.

The soloists are rising stars soprano Aylin Sezer and mezzo-soprano Carina Vinke. The Der Aa Philharmonic is led by conductor Jacob Slagter, former principal hornist of the Concertgebouw Orchestra.