Beethoven with Sunwook Beethoven's Emperor Concerto

Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth

The ‘Emperor’ is the largest in scale of all Beethoven’s concertos. An epic tour de force, pitching soloist and orchestra in a musical argument of unprecedented breadth and scale, full chordal textures and wide dynamic range. A spirit of heroism infuses the music, whilst the sublime slow movement is one of his most profound. Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony was first performed at a mammoth concert in 1813 which was one of his greatest public successes. Described by Wagner as “the apotheosis of the dance”, with boundless energy and rhythmic impetus the music rages forward, almost demonically, with climax after climax, right to the brilliant final notes and one of the most thrilling endings in all music.

CLICK HERE to download a pdf of the concert programme giving full notes on the pieces being performed

Pre-Concert Talk

Make the most of your concert by getting to know the music in more depth with our informative video about the pieces being performed.

Please note the conditions in place for entry into the Guildhall for this concert. Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Device (LFD) demonstrated via a text message or email from NHS Test and Trace or via the NHS App. The test must be taken within the 48 hours preceding entering the event. This will be necessary for anyone aged 11 years and older OR proof of full vaccination: both doses received at least 14 days prior to the event demonstrated via the NHS App or your vaccine card issued at vaccination centre OR proof of natural immunity based on a positive PCR test within the last 180 days of the event (and not in the last 10 days). More details and links to get your NHS Covid Pass can be found on the NHS website.