Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 ’Choral’ with Hallé Choir

The evening opens with Unsuk Chin’s Subito con forza, a compact work that takes its cues from the private notebooks and sudden dynamic shifts of the classical era. You will hear how Chin weaves fragments of familiar musical shapes into a modern, energetic soundscape, acting as a deliberate bridge to the main event. Following this is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, a work that moves from a shadowy, searching opening through to its final, massive vocal conclusion. In the first three movements, we listen for the orchestra’s ability to sustain tension and scale before the human voice enters. The finale brings the Hallé Choir and the four soloists together for the famous setting of the Ode to Joy. We suggest listening for how the low strings first introduce the main melody almost in a whisper, before it eventually swells into the full, celebratory force of the massed ensemble and chorus.

Delyana Lazarova conducts the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble based in Glasgow known for its wide-ranging broadcasting work and its commitment to both new commissions and the core symphonic repertoire. They are joined by the Hallé Choir, a large-scale symphonic chorus with a long history of performing major choral works. The vocal quartet features soprano Francesca Chiejina, mezzo-soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons, tenor Santiago Sánchez, and bass Barnaby Rea. These four soloists are recognised for their versatility across the operatic and concert stages, bringing the necessary individual clarity to the work’s demanding final movement.

This performance takes place at Glasgow City Halls and has a total duration of 150 minutes, making it a substantial evening of music. It is a suitable choice if you are a first-time visitor to a choral concert, as the final movement contains some of the most recognisable melodies in the Western tradition. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. The performance involves a large number of musicians on stage, so we recommend arriving in good time to locate your seat before the start.