In the coming weeks, the Ulster Orchestra is set to bid a heartfelt adieu to its music director, Daniele Rustioni, marking the occasion with a rendition of one of the most substantial and invigorating symphonies ever composed.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, also known as ‘Resurrection’, is truly momentous in all connotations of the term. Composed around the author’s reflection on human existence, it starts with a solemn meditation on mortality, escalating to a riveting choral tribute to rebirth. This symphony has been immaculately reconstructed in ‘Maestro’, the recent Leonard Bernstein biopic featuring Bradley Cooper.
The farewell is an appropriate send-off for the conductor hailing from Milan, who took up the position of chief conductor in 2019, ascended to the role of music director in 2022, and, commencing next season, will be donning the title of music director laureate.
With his charisma and vigour, Daniele Rustioni surpassed the predicament of the pandemic, supervising a refreshed repertoire, marking a comeback to the BBC Proms in London, and embarking on a tour of Austria that included a remarkable performance in Linz, Anton Bruckner’s hometown.
Recounting his experience in Belfast, Rustioni expresses his fondness my memories, “The city is alive and its audience extraordinary. We led them through the turbulent times of Covid, and I have a vivid memory of how, gradually, they embraced us. The ambience around the Ulster Hall, a splendid concert venue, was something I loved. We performed a wide range of music and collaborated with impressive soloists and artists. Some compositions were celestial.
Regarding future plans, Rustioni reveals, “As an Italian, it’s both a blessing and a curse. I will take up fewer opera assignments, roughly two or three significant shows a season, in some of the world’s superior opera houses. I plan to revisit the Ulster Orchestra in my new capacity, ideally every season. Meanwhile, I’m expecting a baby in few weeks, hence I’ll balance guest conducting with domestic life, indulge in learning, raising my forthcoming daughter and supporting my amazing wife,” referring to the Italian-American violinist Francesca Dego.
Reflecting on Rustioni’s early influence, Patrick McCarthy, the orchestra’s artistic director, remembers, “From the very first rehearsal, it was evident that we were on the brink of a marvellous journey together.”
Daniele possesses the unique skill of enabling an orchestra to truly pay attention to its own music, giving room for the musicians to convey their artistic expression. Their faith in him is unwavering, which allows the freedom to take risks during performances. This breathes a sense of freshness and invigoration into each concert. He’s known for stirring audiences to unprecedented emotional levels and he discovers genuine emotional depth in all he does.
Performances of Mahler’s Second Symphony only happen once in a generation in the northern region. There will be a gathering of 200 performers on stage, inclusive of two sensational singers and a top-tier conductor. The piece in question, due to its emotional roller-coaster ride, stands out amongst others. As stated by Mahler, a symphony should ‘incorporate all’, which is indeed the case for this masterpiece.
The illustrious Ulster Orchestra will play “Resurrection” at the renowned Ulster Hall, in Belfast, on the date of Friday, May 24th.