In this musical celebration directed by pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout, Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto is performed alongside works by those idolised or inspired by the composer. The program includes the third movement from Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 with a cadenza by Beethoven; works by Schubert, who was a torchbearer at Beethoven’s funeral; the first movement from the Second Symphony by Ferdinand Ries, Beethoven’s friend, pupil and secretary; and the Australian premiere of A Walk to Beethoven’s First Symphony, written by Swedish composer Britta Byström during lockdown.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

How do you find your way into the masterpieces of old? In this program, you’ll travel through the forebears and heirs, and the influencers and influenced, so that you can stand alongside the lucky few who had their hair blown back by the magic of Beethoven’s Emperor the very first time it was played.

Pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout returns to the ACO to direct this celebratory concert from the fortepiano, with Beethoven’s most beloved work at its heart. A longtime friend of the ACO, Bezuidenhout has a special affinity for historical instruments. He relishes the challenge of their foibles and fickleness, coaxing out a sound the composer would have recognised. For a modern audience, it’s an enlightening experience. Beethoven untamed.

Joining the ACO are wind and brass players from the world’s leading period-instrument orchestras, handpicked by Bezuidenhout to recreate Beethoven’s soundworld.