Rafael Payare conducts two Indigenous world premieres and Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde

Known for his “magnificent,” “thrilling” interpretations of Mahler symphonies (New York Classical Review), dynamic Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare conducts the prestigious Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal in one of the composer’s greatest works, Das Lied von der Erde (“The Song of the Earth”). One of his last works written at a dark time in his life, Gustav Mahler’s symphonic song cycle Das Lied von der Erde conveys themes of death and rebirth, loneliness, and humans’ intrinsic connection to the Earth. The text, based on classical Chinese poetry, is performed by multi-Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung and highly acclaimed tenor Nikolai Schukoff.

The first half of the program honors Canadian talent and culture and features the world premieres of two poignant works by Canadian composers Ana Sokolović and Ian Cusson, with Indigenous-language librettos written by Michelle Sylliboy and Natasha Kanapé-Fontaine. Commissioned by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and performed by Indigenous sopranos Elisabeth St-Gelais and Emma Pennell, You can die properly now commemorates Indigenous children who were sent to Canadian residential schools and never returned home, and Un cri s’élève en moi (“A cry rises within me”) celebrates the power and resilience of Indigenous women.