The start of the Basel Mahler cycle
The Basel Mahler Cycle, conducted by Principal Conductor Markus Poschner, began in September 2025 with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. This recording captures that moment as the first artistic document of a five-year project in which the Sinfonieorchester Basel will perform all of Mahler’s symphonies by 2030.
The recording was made live in the concert hall of the Stadtcasino Basel and also documents Poschner’s debut as principal conductor. Mahler’s Second combines existential depth with visionary sonic power and unfolds a musical dramaturgy centred on transformation, new beginnings and resurrection.
At the heart of the interpretation lies a transparent, clearly structured Mahler sound. The multi-layered score is listened to with nuanced attention; lines emerge clearly, and dynamic gradations as well as tonal balance create new listening perspectives on a central work of the symphonic repertoire.
For the vocal parts, two outstanding performers, Nikola Hillebrand (soprano) and Wiebke Lehmkuhl (alto), have been secured. Together with the MDR Radio Choir Leipzig, they perform the final movement, which ranks among the most impressive moments in music history.
The CD will be released on 8 April 2026 on the Prospero Classical label and will be available on CD and on all major streaming services.
This recording marks the start of a large-scale Mahler cycle in Basel and also offers a first glimpse into the artistic signature of Markus Poschner and the Sinfonieorchester Basel.
You can get a first impression of the recording here: