The brunt of Covid is past us, most people have emerged from their caves into the sunlight once more, and it seems high time that we performed the Beethoven Ninth again (with a repeat performance in Carnegie Hall).

The Beethoven Ninth remains after two hundred years music's ultimate affirmation of the indomitable human spirit. No other work delivers this particular, powerful message in the music of the richest complexity that is still understandable by everyone, everywhere. Mr. Zander feels a particularly close affinity to this work and has a special respect for its message. He chose it back in 1990 as the first commercial recording to be made by the BPO, and five years ago he re-recorded it in London – together with two and a half hours of spoken commentary – with the London Philharmonia Orchestra.

The BPO is extraordinarily fortunate in our vocal soloists for this performance. Soprano Liv Redpath's voice has been praised by Opera News “It was as if the sky itself had been rendered into sound.” and by Parterre “She has a youthful timbre and quicksilver bloom on the voice that is rare indeed.”

Mezzo-soprano Ashley Dixon has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle "Ashley Dixon’s bravura display of artistry…marked by robust vocal tone, pinpoint precision and a wondrous air of dramatic intensity. "

Tenor Nicolas Phan has been hailed as “One of the world’s most remarkable singers” by the Boston Globe and National Public Radio has called him "An artist who must be heard” with "One of the most beautiful young lyric voices around” Opera News.

Baritone Alfred Walker has been praised by Opera News for  his “inky bass-baritone and clear projection” and by Der fliegende Holländer, Theater Basel; Die Welt “Alfred Walker was outstanding as The Dutchman… his performance fiery and chilling at the same time."

Not to be missed!