Czech Philharmonic

Mahler’s epic Symphony No. 2 is a magnificent meditation on life, death, and the beyond. Scored for vocal soloists, chorus, organ, and colossal orchestra, its viscerally powerful music shapes a dramatic arc that begins with a funeral rite, looks back on life’s joys, aspires to the almighty in the gorgeous alto solo “Urlicht” ("Primal Light"), and is shattered by a depiction of the last judgment—including a harrowing march of the dead—before soaring heavenward in one of the most resplendent choral finales ever composed.

The English Concert

There are few sure things in the music world, but one notable exception has been the critically lauded Handel opera and oratorio performances by The English Concert conducted by Harry Bicket. This season they perform the sparkling oratorio Semele, a tale of a princess’s love affair with a god and her quest for immortality told in a stream of easy-flowing melodies and dazzling coloratura. Show-stopping arias include the title character’s florid “Endless pleasure, endless love” and touching “O sleep, why dost thou leave me,” and Jupiter’s “Where’er you walk”—a recital favorite to this day.

Teatro Regio Torino

When the Teatro Regio Torino and its Music Director Gianandrea Noseda performed Rossini’s William Tell at Carnegie Hall in 2014, The New York Times called it “one of the New York operatic highlights of recent years.” Noseda and company return with another rare Italian opera masterpiece, Verdi’s I vespri Siciliani (The Sicilian Vespers). This tale of political intrigue, romance, and honor features a famous overture and magnificent arias, including the heroine’s “Boléro,” the conspirator Procida’s noble hymn to his homeland, “O tu Palermo,” scorching dramatic ensembles, and more.