On Saturday 21 September the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jiri Petrdlik, will perform Beethoven's Overture to Fidelio, Op. 72b, followed by Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 Choral.

"Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has always been a masterwork that simultaneously creates a chasm — through the nature of its wide range of summative styles and form — and bridges its own gap. It pushed the instruments of its generation to the limit, and has, for nearly two centuries, elicited highly personalised readings and interpretation," writes critic Jeffrey Thomas.

Along with the 5th, the 9th symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) — his last, and longest (lasting over an hour) — is so popular that even listeners not inclined to classical music easily recognise the melody of the Ode to Joy in the symphony's last movement, composed to the poem by Schiller.

It is estimated that Beethoven's hearing started deteriorating in 1800; 16 years later he had become completely deaf. But although by the time Beethoven composed his Symphony No. 9 'Choral' (1822-1824) he could not hear one note of it, numerous critics view it as the most important composition in the history of Western classical music.

In fact, the last two decades of Beethoven's life yielded many of his greatest works.

As such, the symphony is one of the most frequently performed in international concert halls, with renowned conductors setting forward their own interpretations of the masterpiece.

Dedicated to Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III, Symphony No. 9 required the largest orchestra ever assembled by Beethoven. The composer also added a choir (in the last movement) and four soloists: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

Soloists on the 21 September evening are Iman Mostafa (soprano), Jolie Faizy (mezzo-soprano), Tamer Tawfiq (tenor) and Reda El-Wakil (bass). The performance will be joined by A Cappella Choir with Maya Gvineria as Choir Master.

Programme:
Saturday 21 September at 7pm
Cairo Opera House main hall, Zamalek