Beethoven 250: London concerts in the big year
Celebrating 250 years since the composer's birth, concerts, recitals and his only opera are staged by international artists. It's the perfect time to learn more about Beethoven's legacy
Fidelio, Royal Opera House
Jonas Kaufmann (pictured) sings the role of political Florestan in Beethoven's only opera, in which honour and integrity are put to the test and faithful Leonora comes heroically to the rescue
Read more ...The Vienna Concert 1808
One of the most famous concerts in the history of classical music, Beethoven’s epic event re-created by Esa-Pekka Salonen (pictured) and the Philharmonia. Imagine being in the audience for the premieres of the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, and the Fourth Piano Concerto, plus two movements from the Mass in C and the Choral Fantasy! You'll be more comfortable than the first audience, baffled and chilled to the bone...
Read more ...Beethoven's Complete Symphonies, Barbican
Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (pictured) in all nine symphonies over six days, culminating with the great Choral Symphony and its profound Ode to Joy, anthem of the European Union.
Read more ...Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Beethoven 250, Wigmore Hall
Political turmoil, social unrest ... today's audiences recognise the emotions and the world into which Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770. London's premier chamber music venue has events all year
Read more ...Beethoven Weekender, Barbican
All nine Beethoven symphonies are played in one weekend at the Barbican, where there are Beethoven 250 events all year. Catch top orchestras and conductors, including Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla (pictured) with her CBSO. Part of Beethoven 250 at the Barbican
Read more ...Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Choral Symphony, Half Six Fix, Barbican
Early evening performance of Beethoven's great Symphony No 9, with Sir Simon Rattle (pictured), the London Symphony Orchestra and top soloists. Loved for the last movement with its Ode to Joy, anthem of the European Union
Read more ...Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Chineke!, Royal Festival Hall
The perfect half-term family concert. Exciting Chineke! orchestra plays Beethoven's splendid Symphony No 7 and is joined by Tai Murray in the gorgeous Violin Concerto No 1 by Max Bruch. Music inspired by Othello, composed by Samuel Taylor-Coleridge, opens the concert. Part of Beethoven 250 at Southbank Centre
Read more ...