On Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., the Wiener Konzerthaus in Vienna will host a special concert featuring German tenor Julian Prégardien as the soloist in a performance of Gustav Mahler’s “Rückert-Lieder.” The event, broadcast live on ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien’s Ö1 channel, marks a significant moment in the current season, with Prégardien serving as the orchestra’s portrait artist. The program opens with Kaija Saariaho’s “Song for Betty,” followed by Mahler’s five orchestral songs based on poems by Friedrich Rückert, and concludes after intermission with Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” in Maurice Ravel’s orchestration.
Julian Prégardien, recognized as one of the leading Lied singers of his generation, brings his deep engagement with the art song tradition to this performance. According to the ORF announcement, he is known for expressing his passion for vocal music through diverse concert programs and innovative presentation forms. The concert will also include a live conversation with Prégardien during the intermission, hosted by Helene Breisach, offering audiences insight into his artistic approach.
The Mahler “Rückert-Lieder” cycle, composed between 1901 and 1902, sets five poems by Friedrich Rückert to music for voice and orchestra. In this particular arrangement, the third song, “Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder,” is performed first, deviating from its original position in the cycle. The final piece, “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen,” which Mahler originally placed fourth, is presented as the concluding song. This reordering highlights a reflective and introspective arc, culminating in one of Mahler’s most serene and withdrawn expressions.
Following the intermission, the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien, under the direction of conductor Cornelius Meister, will perform Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Originally composed as a piano suite in 1874, the work gained widespread acclaim through Ravel’s 1922 orchestration, which remains the most frequently performed version today. The piece features ten movements, each inspired by a watercolor or drawing by Viktor Hartmann, including well-known sections such as “Der Gnom,” “Der Ochsenkarren,” and “Ballett der Küken in ihren Eierschalen.”
Cornelius Meister, appointed chief conductor of the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien in 2018, has been praised for his interpretations of both classical and contemporary repertoire. His leadership has emphasized modern composers alongside traditional works, aligning with the evening’s inclusion of two Austrian premieres by Kaija Saariaho: “Song for Betty” and “Lumière et pesanteur.” These pieces, described as orchestral works exploring texture and resonance, frame the Mahler and Mussorgsky segments of the program.
The concert will be transmitted live in 5.1 surround sound from the Großer Konzerthaussaal in Vienna, with the audio stream available worldwide for 30 days following the broadcast via ORF’s online platforms. This extended accessibility allows international audiences to experience the performance beyond the live event, reinforcing the orchestra’s commitment to broad cultural reach.
Julian Prégardien’s role as portrait artist for the current season at the Wiener Konzerthaus involves a series of appearances that highlight his artistry across different formats. In addition to this orchestral concert, his season includes recitals, chamber music collaborations, and educational engagements designed to deepen public connection to the Lied tradition. His repertoire often bridges historical performance practice with modern sensibilities, particularly in the interpretation of German Romantic song.
For listeners interested in exploring the works featured in the concert, the Mahler “Rückert-Lieder” are frequently studied for their poetic depth and emotional nuance, with “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” often cited as a pinnacle of Mahler’s late style. Similarly, Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” remains a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire, celebrated for its vivid imagery and innovative use of timbre in Ravel’s version.
The Wiener Konzerthaus, located in the heart of Vienna, continues to serve as a vital venue for classical music innovation. Its programming regularly balances canonical works with contemporary commissions, fostering dialogue between historical traditions and new creative voices. Events like this April 17 concert exemplify that mission, bringing together established masterpieces and modern expressions in a single evening.
As the concert approaches, details about ticket availability and live streaming access can be found through the official Wiener Konzerthaus website and ORF’s cultural platforms. Viewers are encouraged to check these sources for the most current information regarding attendance options and broadcast schedules.
This performance offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with significant works of vocal and orchestral music, presented by artists at the forefront of their fields. By uniting Mahler’s introspective song cycle, Mussorgsky’s vivid tableau, and Saariaho’s contemporary explorations, the evening reflects the enduring power of music to convey complex human experiences across time.
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