Stephanie Hughes introduces Mahler's Eighth Symphony, known as the Symphony of a Thousand because of the huge number of performers required. With texts from the 9th-century Latin hymn Veni Creator Spiritus and Part 2 of Goethe's Faust, a distinguished array of soloists, choirs and the Sibelius Academy Orchestra join the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mahler Symphony No 8 (Symphony of Thousand)

Soile Isokoski, Anna-Kristiina Kaappola, Ricarda Merbeth and Lilli Paasikivi (sopranos), Hilke Andersen (contralto), Mika Pohjonen (tenor), Tommi Hakala (baritone), Ain Anger (bass), Cantores Minores, Finnish Philharmonic Chorus, Tapiola Chamber Chorus, Sibelius Academy Orchestra, Helsinki PO, conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen

(Recorded last month at the Helsinki Festival)