Beethoven at 250: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5

Third Leonore Overture

Symphony No. 2

Symphony No. 5

Gianandrea Noseda, conductor

Famed for its iconic four-note opening, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is one of the most well-known and influential pieces of music ever composed. Imaginative, violent, and wide-ranging, the colossal crowd-pleaser immerses the audience in Beethoven’s state of mind with dramatic tension that builds to a passionate climax. Complementing the program are two works deeply connected to the composer’s rebellious ideals: his Second Symphony and third Leonore Overture.

Beethoven at 250

In honor of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Gianandrea Noseda leads the Orchestra in a three-week festival of concerts celebrating the composer’s remarkable genius and impact on music. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear all nine of his symphonies—music that resounds as loudly today as it did two centuries ago. All five programs will be recorded for future release.

“There were three artists who changed the world. Of course, there are many, many other great ones, but these actually changed the world: Da Vinci, Dante, and of course, Beethoven.”

—Gianandrea Noseda

ForeWords

Beginning at 7 p.m. before the May 30 performance

Before your concert, join us in the Justice Forum at the REACH for fascinating stories behind the music! Led by engaging artists and scholars, each ForeWords lasts 30 minutes and is free and open to the public. Look for even more of these offerings throughout the season.