Conducting Mahler (HKAF 2025 - PLUS Film)

Mahler in Conductors’ Eyes

‘How to conduct Mahler?’ remains one of the most fascinating questions posed to numerous conductors and music lovers.

This beautifully shot documentary approaches this challenging question by exploring the interpretations by five renowned conductors—Haitink, Chailly, Muti, Abbado and Rattle, who share their views and love for the composer in front of the director Frank Scheffer's camera. Featuring scenes of rehearsals and performances by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic at the 1995 Mahler Festival at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the documentary sheds light on the complexity and mesmerising quality of Mahler's music.

Conducting Mahler is remastered by Eye Filmmuseum and Frank Scheffer.