BBC Proms 2026: Mahler’s First by Heart (7pm)

Created by BBC

Proms favourites Nicholas Collon and the Aurora Orchestra lift the bonnet on Mahler’s First Symphony.

‘All the floodgates within me have opened … my whole being points me towards this symphony.’ Proms favourites Nicholas Collon and the Aurora Orchestra are back to lift the bonnet on another symphonic masterwork. Fifteen years in the making, Mahler’s First Symphony was a major statement of intent – a musical distillation of the composer’s life in sound, from klezmer bands to the natural world, folk dances to funeral marches, symphony and song united as one. A dramatised first half featuring mezzo-soprano Natalie Lewis introduces both the music and the story behind it, before a complete performance of the symphony after the interval.

Audio-described by Timna Fibert

British Sign Language-interpreted by Kate Green (first half)

Nicholas Collon © Chris Christodolou/BBC

 

Programme:

Gustav Mahler A musical and dramatic exploration of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1

INTERVAL

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 1 in D major (performed from memory)

 

Performers:

Natalie Lewis (mezzo-soprano)

Aurora Orchestra

Nicholas Collon (conductor)

Event details

When: Sat 1 Aug 2026, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Format: In-person

Venue:
Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore
London SW7 2AP
United Kingdom

Cost: Seats from £19.34 to £71.36 (including booking fee)

Access & inclusion

This event includes BSL interpreters.

Access features

  • BSL interpreters
  • Wheelchair access

Organiser

BBC

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