There is no better way to introduce an orchestra than with the sleigh bells and skipping rhythms of Mahler’s Fourth – the strings, woodwinds and brass all get to announce themselves in what must be the most joyful opening of any symphony in the repertoire.

It’s also the ideal way to launch a rare concert that features not only one but two of the Bohemian composer’s great works – the Fourth and Fifth of his 10 symphonies which, in his words, “must be like a world. It must embrace everything.”

Last year the Australian World Orchestra was stripped back to chamber proportions for its annual concert, featuring German countertenor Andreas Scholl in the ACO’s Neilson, with Artistic Director and conductor Alexander Briger sitting in the audience.

This year is something completely different. More than 100 musicians file on stage in the more familiar surroundings of Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall with Briger on the rostrum, conducting both works from memory. 

Alexander Briger and the Australian World Orchestra. Photo © Daniel Boud

What was immediately apparent is the rich and polished string tone of...