Born on 7 July 1860 in Kalist in Bohemia, Gustav Mahler was born into a poor Jewish family. During his childhood he lived in Iglau (Mähren) and at only 15 years of age he began to study piano and composition at the Conservatory of Vienna. Already during his very first years at the institute, he won several prizes and in 1880 he started to work as a conductor in Hall, Laibach, Olmütz, Kassel, Prague and Leipzig. In 1888 he was appointed chief conductor of the Royal Hungarian Opera House in Budapest.
During that period of time he became friends with Richard Strauss, a famous composer himself. After having resigned as a conductor of the Royal Opera House in Budapest he worked as a guest conductor at the "Metropolitan Opera House of New York" and was then promoted to chief conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Due to his numerous commitments Mahler could work on new music and unleash his creativity only while on holiday. He created some of his most well-known masterpieces at the Wörthersee, at the Attersee and in Dobbiaco, in the Val Pusteria.
Two of his most famous works "Das Lied von der Erde" and the unfinished "Zehnte Symphonie" were composed in South Tyrol.

Following his last vacation in Dobbiaco he became seriously ill and was brought to Vienna, where he died on 18 May 1911.

A memorial in his honour was built in the centre of Dobbiaco. Every year in summer, this village hosts the “Gustav Mahler Music Weeks” which attract numerous musicians from all over the world. The audience has the unique opportunity of attending a truly memorable concert.

Gustav Mahler Music Weeks 2026: 11 - 25 July, 2026

Further information:
Gustav Mahler Music Weeks
phone: +39 0474 976151
info@gustav-mahler.it