Dr Patrick P.L. Lam, a member of the Toronto Mahler Society, offers an invitation to join the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration on May 8:

Established in Sept. 2003 by two music lovers and expanding ever since as a result of dedicated volunteers and participating members, the Toronto Mahler Society has shown itself to be an indispensable Canadian resource on the life and music of Gustav Mahler (1860-1911).

A towering composer of nine symphonies (a 10th left unfinished) and several song cycles of substantial proportions, Mahler carried forward the musical traditions of the “4Bs” (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner) with added elements that attempted to depict humanity, philosophy and scenic landscape in sound.

Challenging the limits of each instrumentalist and singer and handing his conductors some gargantuan tasks, Mahler was loved as much as he was hated in his day.

Fortunately for posterity, the love triumphed, thanks to several 20th century champions on both sides of the Atlantic.

The importance of Mahler’s music was felt by contemporaries such as Carl Nielsen, Jean Sibelius, Richard Strauss and Alexander Zemlinsky. It also continues to leave its imprint on composers to the present day.

Mahler’s legacy is richly supported by notes, scores and recordings, either by the composer himself or associates who knew, researched or worked closely with him. Thanks to these enriching contributions by musicians and scholars, there is a growing prevalence of “Mahleria” to be found in a wide range of young and old listeners.

But it’s a healthy bug instead of a disease.

It has been the mission of the Toronto Mahler Society and similar groups of enthusiasts in Chicago, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore, Taiwan, Vienna and the Médiathèque Musicale Mahler in Paris, to serve as regional ambassadors.

It is a movement that continues to grow.

On May 8at 6:15 p.m., the Toronto Mahler Society hosts its 10^th Anniversary Celebration at the Canadian Music Centre.

The Society will review the highlights of the past 10 years, which include several community partnerships in Toronto. To actively support Canadian talents, the programme presents two of Canada’s musical jewels:  Dr Kevin Lau, affiliate composer of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in his lecture “In Pursuit of Meaning: How Mahler Influenced My Music,” and Ms. Susan Platts, celebrated mezzo-soprano and a Mahler devotee in a short recital featuring the composer’s Rückert Lieder.

Guests who register before May 1^st will also have a chance to win grand prizes, including gifts by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Conservatory of Music valued at over $300. Catering will also be provided by Daniel et Daniel.

Space is limited to 55 people. For all the details click here.

Dr Patrick P.L. Lam