Tonight's concert explores the last great works of two Romantic composers, where the memory of their entire oeuvre shines through. These pieces embody fulfilment, serve as testaments, and carry a lasting message.

Dvořák was first asked to compose a cello concerto as a young composer, but he doubted the instrument’s suitability as a soloist. Years later, buoyed by his American experiences, he returned to the form and produced what would become one of the most beloved cello concertos. Mahler, meanwhile, dedicated his life to symphonic writing, envisioning his Ninth Symphony as the summation of his achievements, echoing Beethoven’s legacy and encapsulating his spiritual journey.