Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra

04/24/2026

Parts of the brass section were ready to blow the roof off of the OP High School as we rehearsed for Mahler's 6th Symphony. Don't miss this great masterpiece! Join us on Friday, April 24th, 7:30pm at the Orchard Park High School.

04/19/2026

The "Hammer of Fate" is a unique highlight in the final movement of Mahler's 6th Symphony where the music transforms from a "glorious soaring melody to deep agony." Originally composed with 3 hammer blows, Mahler later removed the third blow so that the "music built to a sudden moment of stillness" in its place. Will the Orchard Park Symphony use 2 or 3 blows in their April 24th performance? You'll have to attend to find out how many times our "hammer" will be struck. Ticket info at https://opsymphony.org.

Quotes: Mahler Foundation

04/16/2026

Our musicians have been rehearsing diligently as they prepare for one of their most challenging performances ever, Mahler's Symphony No 6. This composition, while not often played, was considered by Mahler's fellow Vienna composers at the time of its debut as something quite special. Anton Webern conducted it several times while Alban Berg gave it the praise of "the only sixth, despite the Pastoral." Sounds like a piece you won't want to miss!
Ticket info at https://opsymphony.org.
Photo: Mahler, 1907

04/12/2026

As we continue rehearsing for our April 24th performance of Mahler's 6th Symphony, let's consider the nickname it has been tagged with, Tragische/Tragic. It seems this concept did not come from Mahler. According to the Mahler Foundation:

"The programme for the first Vienna performance (1907) refers to the work as ‘Sechste Sinfonie (Tragische)’, but only the words ‘Sechste Sinfonie’ appeared on the programme for the earlier performance in Munich on 08-11-1906. Nor does the word Tragische appear on any of the scores that Kahnt music publishers published (first edition, 1906; revised edition, 1906)..."

Despite claims that Mahler named it as such, "Mahler did not so title the symphony when he composed it; when he first performed it; when he published it; when he allowed Specht to analyse it; or when he allowed von Zemlinsky to arrange it."

Come listen on the 24th and see if you think "Tragische" truly applies. Go to opsymphony.org for tickets.

03/29/2026

Gustav Maher sometimes called himself a "singer of nature". As such, he often composed in small huts where he could be closer to the outdoors and wilder places. There are 3 known huts he used over time. His 6th Symphony, which the OPSO will perform on April 24th, was composed from 1903-1904 in the hut pictured here, which now serves as a museum in Carinthia, Austria. See https://opsymphony.org for ticket info.

03/21/2026

Join us next season!

03/20/2026

Mahler's "Box and Hammer" is an instrument developed by the composer specifically for his 6th Symphony (we're purposely keeping our version concealed for now). Originally composed with 3 hammer blows, it is now most often performed with just one blow, and occasionally two. Lots of debate as to why and how Mahler's piece has been modified (we'll post about this soon). And how will the OPSO play this audibly unique symphony? To find out, one must attend on April 24th. See the opsymphony.org for ticket info.

03/20/2026

Spread the word! The Southtowns Youth Orchestra collaborates with the OP Symphony annually and one of our most important missions is to spread the love for classical music to the next generation of professionals. Good luck all!

Join us next season!

03/18/2026

03/17/2026

As the Orchestra rehearses for our upcoming performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 6 on April 24th, we'll be sharing the complex, and sometimes controversial, story behind the music. Was it truly meant to be "tragische" (tragic)? Did it reflect Mahler's personal life? Keep following for more to come.
(See opsymphony.org for ticket info).