In what is probably the most ambitious undertaking by an orchestra in Australia this year, conductor Jaime Martín will lead the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra through all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies, playing the full cycle in just 11 days.

The marathon begins on 19 November with a pairing of Symphonies 1 and 3. Two nights later, the MSO plays Symphonies 2 and 5. Two nights after that (Saturday 23 November), 4 and 6.

Sunday will be a day of rest, but Monday will be devoted to No. 7 and No. 8. The marathon climaxes with two performances of Beethoven’s Ninth, the first for the MSO’s Spring Gala on 28 November.

And between performances? Rehearsals for the next, says violinist Natalie Chee. “There’s a limited amount of time to get through all this, so rehearsals will be pretty intense. Every musician has to be really well prepared.”

Jaime Martín conducts the MSO Winter Gala 2024. Photo © Laura Manariti

For Chee, the Festival is an opportunity to revisit favourites and reconnect with some works she hasn’t had many opportunities to play during her career. “I’m really looking forward to the Ninth because I’ve...