In May 2027 the Mahler Players will perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Since 2022 we have performed at least one Beethoven symphony every year, to critical acclaim and sold out houses. Next year, the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, we will take on the epic challenge of the Ninth, with an internationally-renowned line-up of soloists, an at least 60-strong chorus and conductor Tomas Leakey. The chorus will also have the chance sing Wagner’s rousing chorus Freudig begrüßen wir die edle Halle (“joyfully we greet the noble hall”) from Tannhäuser and the concert will begin with the Prelude to Act 1 from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. The concerts will take place in Inverness (Eden Court) and Dundee (Caird Hall). We will be basing the chorus around a core of singers based in and near Aberdeen, therefore initial chorus rehearsals will be in central Aberdeen.
We are delighted to be joined an extraordinary line-up of artists forming our quartet of soloists.
Soprano – Kathrin Lorenzen
Mezzo-soprano – Laura Margaret Smith
Tenor – tba
Baritone – Renatus Mészár
Schedule
Piano rehearsals in Aberdeen (Fountainhall Church at the Stocket)
Tuesday 4th May 19:30 – 21:30
Tuesday 18th May 19:30 – 21:30
Thursday 20th May 19:30 – 21:30
Tuesday 25th May 19:30 – 21:30
Thursday 27th May 19:30 – 21:30
Concert weekend
Fri 28th May 19:00 – 21:30 chorus and orchestra rehearsal, Inverness (venue tbc)
Sat 29th May rehearsal and concert, Empire Theatre Eden Court (12:30 – 3pm rehearsal and 5pm concert)
Sun 30th May rehearsal and afternoon concert, Caird Hall Dundee (11:30am – 1pm rehearsal and 3pm concert)
Accommodation on 28th May in Inverness
In homestay or hostel (organised/paid for by Mahler Players)
or self-booked hotel/AirBnb (at own expense)
Transport
Coach provided for following journeys:
Fri 28th May c.3 – 5:30pm: Aberdeen – Inverness
Sat 29th May c.7:30 – 10pm: Inverness – Aberdeen
Sun 30th May c.8:30 – 10am Aberdeen – Dundee
Sun 30th May c.6 – 7:30pm Dundee – Aberdeen
The Mahler Players
The Mahler Players is an acclaimed semi-professional orchestra based in Inverness, described by Michael Tumelty in the Herald as “Scotland’s best-kept musical secret”. We were initially known for our performances of Mahler’s works in reduced orchestration (all the symphonies except 2 and 8 were performed between 2013 and 2025). We have also focused on Wagner, with several single acts from his opera performed semi-staged. This culminated in two complete performances of Parsifal in May 2026. Soloists for the Wagner projects have included Sir John Tomlinson on multiple occasions and other world-renowned Wagnerian singers. Parallel to the operatic work, the orchestra has presented many symphonic concerts, including as part of our current cycle of Beethoven symphonies. The orchestra has a great ethos and new players often comment on the friendly atmosphere alongside the high artistic standards.
If you would be interested in taking part please see the flyer below for information on how to get involved.
Testimonials from singers who have taken part in our previous choral projects
To sing with such quality is an opportunity I’ll take at the drop of a hat.
Making music with this group is one of the singing highlights of my year. I really enjoy the rehearsals and getting to know new singers and new music that would otherwise only be available in the central belt. The performances are always special occasions and I leave them buzzing, which is the mark of a quality experience.
I have performed with many professional classical groups over the years, both as a vocalist and a professional violist. That being said, performing in the chorus with The Mahler Player’s this past May for their Parsifal production was easily a career highlight. Under the esteemed, highly skilled direction of Tomas Leakey, I was thrilled to be a part of a series of performances where I felt valued as an individual, yet driven, along with everyone else, to bring my absolute best. Not only was I surrounded by vocalists and instrumentalists of astounding calibre, the soloists were world-renowned. What a privilege to be a part of such an incredible production!
I have sung in 3 separate series with The Mahler Players; to be able to sing with musicians of this calibre is a privilege and an honour.
Having sung in the small chorus of Parsifal and Mahler 3, I am very much looking forward to performing Beethoven 9 with this excellent orchestra.
Tomas has a talent for extracting the best from his amassed musicians, be they singers or players, to produce works of extraordinary depth and quality, even when only small numbers.
This is an opportunity not to be missed, going on previous Mahler Players productions this will be exciting and fulfilling.
I’ve had the opportunity to sing with The Mahler players on a few occasions now and I can highly recommend them to any choral singer. I can honestly say the Mahler Players is the best orchestra I have ever had the pleasure of singing with. Tomas Leakey is a wonderful conductor to work with. Extremely knowledgeable about the music being played and sung, rehearsals are well organised, friendly and fun. The concerts are of the highest standard and I wouldn’t miss any opportunities to sing with them if at all possible!
