Brahms’ First Symphony: Labor of Love

Conductor David Afkham makes his SLSO debut in a program of struggle, then exultation. In The Ring of Fire and Love, Finnish composer Outi Tarkianen explores the earth-shattering moment of a child’s birth. Pianist Saleem Ashkar brings searching intelligence to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24, dramatic music written at a time of personal joy. Brahms toiled over his First Symphony for decades, producing a life-affirming journey from darkness to light.