Lü Jia receives positive reviews for Mahler’s Ninth Symphony in Verona
Lü Jia has received highly positive reviews for his recent performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 with the Orchestra of Fondazione Arena at Teatro Filarmonico in Verona.
The concert marked the return of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony to the Filarmonico after more than thirty years, following its last performance in 1993 under Giuseppe Sinopoli. On this occasion, the evening was also dedicated to Sinopoli, 25 years after his passing.
The Italian press praised Lü Jia’s clear and assured conducting, highlighting his ability to guide the orchestra through one of Mahler’s most demanding scores with technical precision and expressive depth. Critics underlined the conductor’s strong command of the symphonic structure, his attention to detail, and the emotional intensity reached in the final Adagio.
One review described his interpretation as a true triumph, noting how Lü Jia recreated the symphony without losing any of Mahler’s tension, fragility, and inner drama. Particular attention was given to the clarity of the Rondò-Burleske and to the deeply moving impact of the closing movement.
The Orchestra of Fondazione Arena was also praised for its solidity, balance, and commitment throughout the performance, with special mention for the orchestral sections and the trumpet soloist Pietro Sciutto.
The concert was received with great enthusiasm by the audience, who rewarded Lü Jia and the orchestra with long applause and several curtain calls.
