In Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year, the LSO and LSC are giving two performances of his Symphony No. 9 at the Barbican. The first will be part of “Half Six Fix” series at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, 12th February (with an introduction to the music by the LSO’s Principal Conductor, Sir Simon Rattle) and the second at 7.00 pm on Sunday, 16th February. The soloists are Iwona Sobotka (soprano), Anna Stephany (mezzo-soprano), Robert Murray (tenor) and Florian Boesch (baritone).

Beethoven’s 9th is regarded by many critics as one of Beethoven’s greatest works and one of the supreme achievements in the history of western music. It currently stands as one of the most performed symphonies in the world. The work is traditionally performed throughout Japan at the end of the year. In December 2009, for example, there were 55 performances of the symphony by various major orchestras and choirs in Japan.

There are two opportunities for the LSC to perform the “Ode to Joy” in London prior to the current tour. it will also be performed, with “Christ on the Mount of Olives” in Paris and Luxembourg as part of the composer’s 250th anniversary.