Cosmic Portal – Exploring Mahler’s ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ narrated by Alec Baldwin

Image: Cultural Media Collaborative, Inc.

SEPTEMBER 11 | 6:30 PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Join us for the first preview screening of Cosmic Portal – Exploring Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand”, the latest documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Jason Starr, narrated by Alec Baldwin. Presented in cooperation with the Gustav Mahler Society, this groundbreaking film offers a profound look into one of the most ambitious works in classical music: Gustav Mahler’s Eighth Symphony.

About the Film

Filmed across Austria, Germany, Estonia, and the United States, Cosmic Portal traces the musical, philosophical, and biographical roots of Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand”, a work so monumental it demands vast orchestral and vocal forces. Mahler once said this symphony made “all my others seem like preliminary efforts.” The film interweaves stunning footage, dance, animation, and commentary from world-renowned Mahler scholars. At its core is a specially recorded performance conducted by Neeme Järvi, bringing Mahler’s cosmic vision to life. Part 1 evokes the universe’s primal creative energy; Part 2 sets the final scene of Goethe’s Faust to music, revealing a mystical journey of transformation.

About the Filmmaker

Award-winning filmmaker Jason Starr has produced and directed over one hundred films and television programs for broadcast on PBS, A&E, Bravo, CBC, Deutsche Welle, Kultura, Mezzo TV, 3sat, Medici and many public TV stations throughout Europe and North America.  His work has been presented to audiences by the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig, Tianjin Symphony and numerous other ensembles and festivals. Most recently Starr directed the filming of performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, guitarist Sharon Isbin and Opera Lafayette’s production of Beethoven’s Leonore (1805). Other recent films include two feature length documentaries as part of his series exploring the work of Gustav Mahler:  For the Love of Mahler – The Inspired Life of Henry-Louis de La Grange and Everywhere and Forever – Mahler’s Song of the Earth, winner of the Whitehead International Film Festival’s “Outstanding Achievement Award”.  Both have been broadcast throughout Europe and are widely distributed by C Major Entertainment, Berlin and for home video by Video Artists International, New York.