Gustav Mahler Celebration in Vienna

Gustav Mahler

Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) is celebrated as a fin de siècle genius and one of the great pioneers of 20th century music. The composer’s 150th birthday celebrations will take place in 2010, followed by the 100th anniversary of his death a year later. Mahler headed the Vienna State Opera for 10 years.

Gustav Mahler first visited Vienna at an early age. In 1875 the highly talented 15-year-old travelled to the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and seat of the ruling Habsburg dynasty to study composition and piano at the Vienna Conservatoire, graduating with a diploma three years later. After several years spent traveling, Gustav Mahler was offered a post at the prestigious Vienna State Opera House. He began as Kapellmeister before ultimately being appointed Artistic Director of the Court Opera, as it was then known, by Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Mahler‘s compositions enjoyed greater popularity abroad and his frequent concert tours increasingly came under fire, eventually culminating in a stinging criticism from the press. In 1907 Mahler tendered his resignation and accepted the New York Metropolitan Opera’s invitation to serve as Principal Conductor. The same year was also blighted by personal tragedy, his and his wife Alma’s first daughter Maria Anna died of diphtheria and he was diagnosed with a heart condition. Mahler spent the following years travelling between two continents. He died on May 18, 1911 in Vienna. He is buried in Grinzing cemetery, which is also the final resting place of his daughter Maria and wife Alma. (Source: Vienna Tourist Board)

Additional information on Mahler 2010/11 at:
www.mahler.vienna.info

Mar 11-Oct 3, 2010: Gustav Mahler and Vienna
Austrian Theater Museum, Palais Lobkowitz, Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1st district
www.khm.at/de/oesterreichisches-theatermuseum

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