The Immortal Beethoven

The Immortal Beethoven Photo: NZSO

This is the final concert of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s cycle of complete Beethoven Symphonies, each offering a different portrait of the composer, from his classical beginnings to the heroism of his middle period and then the complexity of his last works. Tonight we are wrapping up with his Symphonies Nos. 8 and 9.

Beethoven’s eighth is a sophisticated work that takes us on a dazzling journey from elegant dances to a witty, laughing finale. However, nothing prepares us for the audacity and genius of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Featuring Friedrich Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’, the work emerges from darkness into light and brings the orchestra and vocalists together in a stupendous chorale finale that influenced every composer who has followed in his wake. Featuring the prowess of soprano Tiffany Speight, exquisite mezzo-soprano Annely Peebo, electrifying bass Peter Coleman-Wright and our own tenor superstar Simon O’Neill.. (Source: NZSO)

Recorded in Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre by RNZ Concert