Why Gustav Mahler regarded Amsterdam as ‘his second musical home’

Composer-conductor Gustav Mahler had a complex yet profound connection with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Amsterdam. Despite initially disliking the city — he once asked composer Alphons Diepenbrock how anyone could live in a place “where it always rains and there’s so much noise” — the Czech-Austrian Mahler would come to regard Amsterdam as his second musical home. 

Mahler’s appreciation had little to do with the city’s canals or harbors, which he often found overwhelming. Instead, he cherished Amsterdam for its audience and orchestra, who truly understood his music.

This bond was shaped by Willem Mengelberg, chief conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Mengelberg invited Mahler to Amsterdam in 1903 to conduct his Symphony No. 3. Known for his perfectionism, Mahler was astonished by the orchestra’s preparation: “I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears when they unleashed my Third. The orchestra is outstanding and very well prepared.”

The audience’s reception further deepened his admiration. After a triumphant performance, Mahler wrote to Mengelberg and declared: “I feel like I have found a second musical home in Amsterdam.”

Mahler’s connection to Amsterdam grew stronger with each visit, as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra provided the perfect vehicle for his revolutionary sound. This enduring relationship was celebrated with the first Mahler Festival in 1920, organized by Mengelberg. Amsterdam’s love for Mahler only deepened, eventually leading to the second Mahler Festival, in 1995. where the world’s finest orchestras gathered to perform Mahler’s complete symphonic works in chronological order.

Now, with the upcoming 2025 Mahler Festival, the Concertgebouw burnishes its legacy as a showcase for the composer’s masterworks.

Here are quotes from distinguished overseers and participants in this year’s event:

Simon Reinink, general director of the Concertgebouw: “This Mahler Festival brings the very best of the international classical music world from Asia, Europe and the United States to the Concertgebouw — making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the free live-streams in the Mahler Pavilion [outside the concert hall], we aim to make these unique concerts accessible to everyone.”

Marina Mahler, the composer’s granddaughter: “It’s very special to see the Concertgebouw paying tribute to Mahler’s universe in Amsterdam, a city Mahler truly loved and that honored him in his lifetime and continues to do so today.”

Klaus Mäkelä, chief conductor-designate of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (and the CSO’s music director-designate): “There is a Mahler symphony for everyone. Through his music, he engages in a genuine conversation with you. With Mahler, you are free to be yourself. He does not judge. That is incredibly important, especially in 2025.”

Jaap van Zweden, guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: “Since the previous Mahler Festival in 1995, there has been a significant expansion in the performers of his works. A large part of the world is now involved, turning this festival into a kind of universal tribute to his talent.”

Fabio Luisi, chief conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo: "The NHK Symphony Orchestra was the first orchestra in the world to make a recording of a Mahler symphony, when in 1930, it captured the composer’s Fourth Symphony. That moment marked the beginning of a long and profound connection with the composer and NHK."

Iván Fischer, chief conductor of the Budapest Festival Orchestra: "Mahler’s Second Symphony expresses his childlike, naïve yet irresistible optimism about eternal life: stop complaining, you dull pessimists! Come, let Mahler’s music change your life!"

Kirill Petrenko, chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic: “The Ninth Symphony is a visionary work, especially because of its impact on the future. For anyone performing this musical testament, it presents a unique challenge. I am very much looking forward to presenting our interpretation with the Berlin Philharmonic at the Mahler Festival.”