CBSO and Yamada Open Season with "Apocalyptic" Mahler Second Symphony

The CBSO and conductor Kazuki Yamada performed Mahler's Second Symphony at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, according to The Guardian's review. The performance featured tight orchestral discipline and distinguished solo contributions, with Yamada employing theatrical vision and dynamic contrasts ranging from overwhelmingly loud to breathlessly hushed moments.

The reviewer praised the orchestra's blend and noted that Yamada's interpretation was characterized by bold choices, including a dramatic pause after the opening rush of cellos and basses. The conductor took a mid-symphony pause to retune the orchestra, which the critic described as "a good call."