MAHLER AMBASSODORS
TheMahlerAmbassadorsprojectisaninnovativeculturalexchangeprogrammeaimedat youngadultsfromBozen,Toblach,Amsterdam,Linz,CologneandHamburg Thisinitiative offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 whileexploringitssocialrelevancetodayaswellasitsphilosophicalmeaning.
Mahler lived in Vienna around 1900 a time and place marked by profound social and politicalunrest.Europe,andViennainparticular,wasexperiencingsignificantimmigration, a rising tide of nationalism, widespread antisemitism, and a general state of political, socialandculturalupheaval.
Located in the beautiful village of Toblach in the heart of the Italian Dolomites—where Mahler spent his summer residencies and composed the Ninth Symphony this project brings together music, history and social engagement It seeks to connect young people withMahler’smusic,whichmanymaynotyetknow,byexploringthesocialandhistorical contextofhistime.ParticipantswilldiscoverhowthethemesofMahler’sNinthSymphony life, death, loss, redemption, and the tensions of a society in crisis resonate deeply withthechallengeswefacetoday.
The week on site will also prepare participants to give a short concert introduction themselves when the Mahler Academy Orchestra performs the Ninth Symphony in their homecitiesshortlyaftertheirtimeinToblach.
WHAT TO EXPECT
OBJECTIVE
PARTICPIPANTS
Engage young adults in exploring the historical and modernday social themes reflected in Mahler’s Symphony No 9, and to foster an understanding for the fascination and relevance of classical music.
Young adults aged around 18-22 who should have an interest in any art form (music, dance, film, writing, etc.), politics, activism, or education. The 8 participants will join 45 international music students and 50 professional musicians from top European ensembles
GOODTOKNOW
Costs for travel, accommodation (double room), and participation are covered. English proficiency is necessary as the program involves international participants and discussions.
PROGRAM DATES
Toblach / Dolomites
September 4–9, 2026
Arrival: September 4
Transfer to Milano: September 9
Concert in Milano: September 9
Departure: September 10
CONCERT INTRODUCTIONS
After the project in Toblach the orchestra will visit the Ambassador's hometown as part of their concert tour and the Ambassadors will have the opportunity to introduce part of the audience to Mahler 9th symphony
ConcertDates: 10.09. Milano 12 09 Cologne 14 09 Amsterdam
16.09. Linz 17.09. Wien 18.09. Hamburg
PROGRAMM HIGHLIGHTS
Lectures and workshops
Covering topics like Migration and Antisemitism in Vienna 1900, Immigration and Identity today, Philosophical questions about the human struggle with life, death and loss.
Discussions
Facilitated by expert educators and musicians addressing historical parallels and contemporary issues. Do we face the same problems today? How can we learn from the past?
Music
In listening sessions the Ambassadors will learn about Mahlers music and also discuss other genres They will sit among musicians during rehearsals, gaining an intimate understanding of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9. and experience the energy on stage.
Networking
Build an international network with peers and professional musicians
Social Media and Creative Output
Participants will attend Social Media workshops- focusing on story telling and create a travel diary in their preferred format (writing, video, photography) In a “Social Media Takeover” they share their experiences onsite .
Public Speaking
The Ambassadors will introduce the audience to Mahler's symphony N.9 from their personal view point drawing on the extensive information and discussions they experienced in Toblach
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
“BeingaMahlerAmbassadormeantdiscovering howdeeplymusiccanconnectus—toeachother, tothemusicians,andtosomethingmuchbiggerthan ourselves.ˮ
“Thisprojectopenedacompletelynewworldof classicalmusictome—fullofemotion,meaning, andendlesspossibilitiestodiscoversomethingnew eachtimeyoulisten.ˮ
“Injustoneweek,webecameacommunity— sharingmusic,ideas,andunforgettablemoments withinspiringmusiciansandeachother.ˮ
Cornelia Fischer
Concertintroduction-Bolzano2024
