Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony
RADIANT BEAUTY
Lose yourself in the idyllic, radiant landscapes of Beethoven’s enchanting Pastoral Symphony.
Duration
Latecomers might be admitted during a suitable break in the performance and will be guided to first available seats. This concert will conclude at approximately 10pm (3:30pm Thursday).
Pre-Concert
Join us for the pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the performances in the Northern Foyer, by Peter Clark.
Program Book
Behind every great piece is a great story. Have a read through the program book to get all the details.
Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony is an idyllic centrepiece for this program inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Beethoven was continually lured away from Vienna by the beauty of the countryside, where he would work and walk for miles. The landscape radiates through the work, from brilliant sunshine to dark and sudden storms.
Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey masterfully creates Beethoven’s transforming moments present in both the symphony and the Fourth Piano Concerto. The Concerto is a work of nobility and an ideal platform for a pianist to shine from, and in Spanish virtuoso Javier Perianes we hear one of the world’s best.
The Guardian described Perianes as having “exquisite grace and a wonderful lightness of touch,” and you will hear every moment perfectly in the stunning acoustics of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
Program
MARY FINSTERER Stabat Mater Symphony – Movement 1*
50 Fanfares Commission
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No.4
BEETHOVEN Symphony No.6, Pastoral
*Mary Finsterer's commission for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's 50 Fanfares Project is generously supported by new works funding, provided by the New South Wales Government through Create NSW.
Artists
BENJAMIN NORTHEY conductor
JAVIER PERIANES piano
Artist Change as of 27 July 2023:
Simone Young, who was previously advertised as conducting these performances has had to withdraw due to an urgent medical matter requiring surgery. We are grateful to Benjamin Northey for stepping in at short notice.
Series Presenting Partner
