Beethoven Symphony No. 9

The evening begins with an invitation to consider the physical nature of sound through Pauline Oliveros’s Tuning Meditation, an exercise in collective listening and vocal resonance. This is followed by Roderick Williams’s contemporary response to the Ave verum corpus, which offers a fresh perspective on a familiar sacred text. Before the interval, you will hear the Ligeti String Quartet join the orchestra for John Adams’s Absolute Jest. This energetic work draws directly on fragments of Beethoven’s late quartets, creating a rhythmic bridge between the classical and modern eras. The second half is dedicated entirely to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. As you listen, notice how the initial movements build a sense of tension and mystery before the finale breaks into the famous choral theme. You will hear the four soloists and the choir emerge from the orchestral texture to deliver the final message of brotherhood, a moment where the scale of the ensemble is felt most powerfully in the hall.

Anja Bihlmaier conducts the BBC Philharmonic, an ensemble based in Greater Manchester known for its broad broadcast reach and versatile programming. They are joined by the Ligeti String Quartet, a group recognised for their dedication to complex modern scores. The vocal components are led by a quartet of soloists including soprano Hera Hyesang Park, contralto Jess Dandy, tenor Robin Tritschler, and baritone Paul Grant. Together, these performers bring a wealth of experience in both traditional symphonic repertoire and the intricacies of contemporary choral and chamber music, ensuring a balance between the historic and the new.

This performance takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on 13 March 2027. The programme features a significant choral element in the second half, making it an excellent choice if you enjoy large-scale vocal works. While no specific dress code is required, most attendees at this venue opt for smart-casual attire. The inclusion of shorter, modern pieces in the first half followed by a well-known symphony makes this a balanced evening for regular concertgoers and newcomers alike. Please note that no running time has been provided for this specific event.