Cosmic Portal – Exploring Mahler’s ‘Symphony of a Thousand’

Filmmaker Jason Starr’s new documentary film explores the musical, biographical and

philosophical background of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony. One of the most ambitious and

powerful of Mahler’s compositions, the work has come to be known as the “Symphony

of a Thousand” due to the huge number of musicians required for its performance.

Weaving through the documentary is a performance conducted by Neeme Järvi,

created especially for the film.

Filmed in Austria, Germany, Estonia and the United States, Cosmic Portal illuminates a

profound and mystical journey. Part 1 summons from the heavens the primal creative

force of the universe. In Part 2, that creative force takes hold in the final scene of

Goethe’s Faust, where humanity is drawn to an ongoing life of transformation. Actors,

dancers, animation and commentary by world renowned Mahler experts explicate a

symphony the composer described as making “all my others seem like preliminary

efforts.” Mahler asks his audience to “Imagine that the universe begins to ring and

resound. No longer with human voices but with revolving planets and suns.”

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Dolby Screening Room NYC, 1350 6th Avenue, New York, United States