港樂 × 港大繆思樂季：貝九之夜

About the show

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) and the MUSE – HKU Muse Festival present "Ode to Joy Night", recreating the historic concert of 7 May 1824 at the Theater am Kärntnertor in Vienna — the night Beethoven's Ninth Symphony premiered. Join us on a journey back in time as we perform the programme in its original order: the evening opens with the majestic overture *The Consecration of the House*, followed by three excerpts from the *Missa Solemnis*, and culminates in the beloved "Ode to Joy". Experience the night that reshaped the future of Western music. All three works were composed during a period when Beethoven's hearing was steadily declining and his health deteriorating, amid a turbulent political landscape — together, they offer a rare glimpse into the final decade of the composer's creative life. Yet, in the finale of his last symphony, he wrote "Ode to Joy", declaring that no matter the circumstances, joy is always a choice. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and is a Venue Partner of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. This concert, curated by the HK Phil in collaboration with MUSE – HKU Muse Festival, follows the original 1824 programme order to recreate a historic moment in Beethoven's oeuvre, suitable for classical music lovers and anyone wishing to experience a pivotal night in Western music history.

Synopsis translated by KinoHK — the performance itself is not in English unless stated above.