Preview: ‘Mahler’s “Titan” Launches New Era for Pasadena Symphony Under Baton of Brett Mitchell’

PASADENA — Pasadena Now has published a preview of Brett Mitchell’s upcoming inaugural concerts as Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony:

Incoming Music Director Brett Mitchell lays out his vision of orchestral music accessible to all

The Pasadena Symphony will open its 2024-25 season on October 26 at Ambassador Auditorium with a landmark performance of Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony, marking the debut of new Music Director Brett Mitchell. The ambitious program signals Mitchell’s vision to broaden the orchestra’s appeal while honoring classical traditions.

“My fundamental philosophy of symphonic music is that it really is for everybody,” Mitchell said in a recent interview. “My ultimate idea is that there shouldn’t be any kind of music you couldn’t hear by coming to the Pasadena Symphony.”

The 45-year-old Mitchell was appointed to lead the Pasadena Symphony as it approaches its centennial.

He plans to shape the orchestra’s sound and repertoire through diverse programming that balances classical masterpieces with contemporary works.

The choice of Mahler’s First Symphony, nicknamed “Titan,” for Mitchell’s inaugural concert holds deep personal significance.

“I was 16 years old when I first heard this music,” Mitchell recalled. “It is not too much to say that moment changed my life.”

Mitchell’s journey to classical music was unconventional. Growing up in Seattle during the 1990s, he was immersed in the grunge scene before discovering Beethoven.

In fact, this background informs his current approach to programming: “very diverse, very inclusive” in terms of the composers and styles that are represented.

“If all we’re doing is programming one kind of music, we may only attract one kind of audience,” Mitchell explained. “Whereas if we have music by, let’s say, an African-American woman on a particular program, it becomes much easier for people to feel welcome in the hall.”

Mitchell’s background in composition — he holds an undergraduate degree in the field — influences his support for contemporary composers, especially those from underrepresented communities.

He sees classical music as a continuum, aiming to create “conversations across the centuries” in his programming.

Beyond programming, Mitchell emphasized community engagement as his key priority. He aims to make the orchestra more accessible through educational outreach, particularly to young people.

“It is more incumbent upon nonprofits and arts organizations like ours to step in,” he said, by way of referring to declining arts education funding in schools.

Mitchell brings significant experience in youth education having worked with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. He plans to be involved with the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra and to visit schools, working directly with young musicians.

To attract new audiences, Mitchell plans, in part, to incorporate technology and innovative performance formats.

“We have to do that in the 21st century,” he said. “There are so many options now for entertainment.”

He hinted this could include adding visual elements to some performances.

Mitchell’s long-term vision is for the Pasadena Symphony to become “a nexus for all of the arts in Pasadena,” potentially incorporating dance, visual art, and even popular music into performances. He sees this artistic growth as interconnected with audience engagement and financial stability.

The conductor credits two principal mentors for shaping his approach: Kurt Masur and Lorin Maazel, both former music directors of the New York Philharmonic.

“I can’t even imagine my career without the influence of both of those men,” Mitchell said.

The October 26 concerts will take place at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Ambassador Auditorium. In addition to Mahler’s First Symphony, the program will feature New Beginnings by local composer Peter Boyer of Altadena and International Tchaikovsky Competition winner Akiko Suwanai performing Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto.

“My goodness, a new era has arrived!” Mitchell said of the upcoming season.

To read the complete preview, please click here.