Richard Strauss Four Last Songs (chamber version by James Ledger) Mahler Symphony No.9 (chamber version by Klaus Simon) Conductor: Kenneth Woods Soprano: April Fredrick Composed in the difficult years just after WW2, Strauss’s final masterpiece could well have been a despairing, angry work. Instead, the Four Last Songs stand as one of music’s most inspiring expressions of gratitude - for long life, for long love and for a world abundant in music and nature. The Ninth Symphony of Strauss’s friend & contemporary, Gustav Mahler - his last completed work - sees the composer working through deep despair and resignation (shaken to the core by the sudden death of his daughter in 1907) towards a resolution which abounds in gratitude and love. Please note, a £2 ticket commission fee is included in the price of the ticket. If you require a carer ticket, or have any accessibility requirements please book your tickets over the phone by calling 01242 528 764. The lines are open 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday.