A special occasion calls for a very special concert 鈥� and from the epic tragedy of its opening to its transcendent final Hymn to Joy, Beethoven鈥檚 Ninth Symphony has long been classical music鈥檚 supreme act of celebration. So what better way for the 大象传媒 SSO to toast Donald Runnicles鈥� 60th birthday than with the work at the very centre of his beloved German Romantic tradition? First, though, two of the orchestra鈥檚 principal players begin the festivities with one of the few pieces that can truly look Beethoven in the eye: Mozart鈥檚 Sinfonia Concertante, music of sublime grandeur and heart-rending beauty.

Prelude: 6.45pm in the Grand Hall (free to ticket holders)
Donald Runnicles in conversation with Jamie MacDougall.

There will be no coda after this concert.

To be broadcast live on 大象传媒 Radio 3, presented by Jamie MacDougall.