Philip Wilby

Fantastic Mahler 2 brings Classical Sheffield Festival to a triumphant close

25 March 2023

Classical Sheffield’s Classical Weekend Festival 2023 was brought to a triumphant close with a superb performance of Mahler’s magnificent 2nd symphony by the combined forces of Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallam Sinfonia, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and Hallam Choral Society, conducted with confidence and passion by George Morton. Acclaimed singers Anna Harvey and Ella Taylor, both from Sheffield, were superb in their solo roles, with exquisite renditions from both. 

‘It was a real joy to be a part of and I felt extremely proud to be from Sheffield. ‘ said Ella Taylor, who had travelled up from her successful debut with English National Opera in London the day before, ‘Coming back to sing [in Sheffield] is always special, but there was something about Sunday night that’s hard to put into words. A sold out City Hall and so many local musicians coming together to put on something this extraordinary is really quite a feat, and it’ll stay with me for a very long time. What an incredibly special concert to be a part of.’

Mezzo soprano Anna Harvey, also from Sheffield, was equally thrilled. ‘It was very special indeed for me to sing such glorious music in my hometown with so many friends, family and former music teachers in the audience’ said Anna, who had flown over from Dusseldorf where she was appearing in Mozart’s The Magic Flute a few days before. ‘I’ve been humming the melodies all the way on my journey today!’

A delegation from the Gustav Mahler Society, who sponsored the concert, were bowled over. ‘Mahler’s Second Symphony is really challenging and …. I felt that everyone had put their heart and soul into the performance, which I thoroughly enjoyed.’ said one of the eight who attended from various parts of the country, ‘The whole project showed how musicians and communities can pull together to produce something outstanding and the evening …. was a triumph’

The concert in Sheffield City Hall was sold out, and the audience clearly loved it as much as the performers, as the following comments show:

• ‘Congratulations on a spectacular evening – wow! It was an utter triumph and clear how much hard work had gone into making such a success. Well done for bringing all that to our city, our county, it was such a special evening’
• What an INCREDIBLE finale to Classical Weekend 2023, the atmosphere was absolutely electric throughout – …..a sensational performance of Mahler 2!’
• ‘Culturally we’ve got so much to be proud of as a city. Such an amazing performance of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony’
• ‘Amazing! It was opportunities like this that helped me become a professional musician. Glad to see music is still thriving in Sheffield.’
• ‘It was a fantastic concert – thank you’
• ‘It was thrilling to listen to! Well done all. What a night’