Mahler’s Third: A World in Symphony
For the grand finale of our 2026 season, we present Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 3. To bring this epic “world in a symphony” to life, our stage will be overflowing with top performers, featuring the internationally acclaimed Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, the celestial voices of the Apollo Women’s Chorus, and the pure, joyful energy of the Appleton Boychoir. Mahler famously said a symphony “must embrace everything,” and in this massive 90-minute odyssey, he delivers a journey that moves from the primal forces of nature to the heights of spiritual love.
The Artists: A Powerhouse Collaboration
Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano: Mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung is one of the most sought-after artists on the international stage, performing regularly with the world’s top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, and Vienna Philharmonic. Equally at home in the opera house, she has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Bayreuth, and the Paris Opera in signature roles spanning Wagner, Verdi, and Berlioz. A multi-Grammy Award-winning recording artist whose discography includes a celebrated recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, DeYoung brings unparalleled authority to this work. Hearing her perform it live is a rare and extraordinary opportunity.
The Apollo Women’s Chorus of Chicago: Returning by popular demand after their stunning PMF appearance last season, this elite Chicago ensemble brings the sophisticated, angelic choral textures required for Mahler’s heavenly visions.
The Appleton Boychoir: A beloved Wisconsin institution with a global reputation, these talented young singers add a layer of “sentimental magic” and pure, bell-like clarity to the performance.
Program
Mahler’s Third is a six-movement experience that scales the hierarchy of existence:
Nature Awakens: A thunderous opening for eight horns depicting the heavy, primal forces of the earth.
Flowers & Animals: Delicate, charming movements that capture the beauty of the meadow and the secret life of the forest.
The Midnight Song: Michelle DeYoung takes center stage for a haunting, mysterious setting of Nietzsche’s “O Man, take heed!”
The Angels’ Chorus: The women and boys join in for a bright, joyful celebration of heavenly life.
What Love Tells Me: The symphony—and our season—ends with a lush, heart-wrenching Adagio for the full orchestra that is widely considered one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.
There is no more powerful way to close our season than with Mahler’s Third. From the thundering horns of the opening to the devastating beauty of the final Adagio, this is a concert that asks everything of its performers — and delivers everything to its audience. A perfect ending to the 2026 Peninsula Music Festival season. Don’t miss it.