National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Michael Francis
Recorded in July 2019 at Maison symphonique de Montréal, Canada

At the time of its premiere in 1904 Gustav Mahler's symphony no. 5 was not understood by the majority of the audience. Mahler is reported to have said "I wish, I could conduct the premiere 50 years after my death" which clearly depicts his musical vision far beyond the time he was living in. More than a century later the symphony can be counted as one of Mahler's most popular works with an indisputable place in the classical concert repertoire all across the globe. The vivid interpretation of Canada's most talented young musicians under the baton of Michael Francis brings an extraordinary energy to the piece ranging from most extatic gestures to an unbroken tension in the music's most solitary moments.

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO) is a not-for-profit charitable organization with the mission to recruit the best young classical musicians from across Canada and prepare them for careers as professional orchestral musicians. Since its founding in 1960, NYO has evolved into an internationally recognized incubator for young orchestral musicians and is now considered among the leading youth orchestras in the world.

Inaugurated in 2011, the Maison symphonique de Montréal features one of the most spectacular acoustics among modern concert hall designs. It's rich and enveloping sound supports the emotional impact of the symphony while maintaining a remarkable clarity that allows all nuances and structures in Mahler's instrumentation to come through.

The recording in Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D reproduces the natural character of sound in all spatial dimensions, making it possible to translate this acoustic envelopment to the listener at home and provide a truly immersive music experience.

The release is planned for early Summer 2023.