Human Planet

Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra

Their first appearance at the Proms in 2007 set the Royal Albert Hall alight. Back then, they were called the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela and famously are a product of the country's El Sistema programme which offers every child a free musical education. Led by their dynamic conductor Gustavo Dudamel, tonight they perform Mahler's second Symphony, Resurrection - a work for vast forces including offstage brass, two solo singers, and a large choir as well as the orchestra. Mahler takes listeners on a spectacular journey through the entire gamut of emotions and questions whether there is life after death. The symphony begins with a huge funeral march and across the work makes a progression from darkness to light - death to everlasting life. Presented by Katie Derham.