In May 2024 the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (ORR) performed Beethoven’s symphonies at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and at the Philharmonie de Paris. The Monteverdi Choir joined the ORR for Beethoven’s Mass in C major and Symphony No. 9.
Monteverdi Choir
Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique
Dinis Sousa – conductor
Lucy Crowe – soprano
Alice Coote – mezzo-soprano
Allan Clayton – tenor
William Thomas – bass
Samuel Evans – chorus master
St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
Monday 13 May 2024, 7:30pm
Beethoven – Overture from The Creatures of Prometheus
Beethoven – Symphony No. 1 in C major
Beethoven – Mass in C major
Tuesday 14 May 2024, 7:30pm
Beethoven – Symphony No. 2 in D major
Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, ‘Eroica’
Thursday 16 May, 7:30pm
Beethoven – Symphony No. 4 in B flat major
Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 in C minor
Friday 17 May, 7:30pm
Beethoven – Symphony No. 6 in F major, ‘Pastoral’
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 in A major
Saturday 18 May, 7:30pm
Beethoven – Symphony No. 8 in F major
Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 in D minor, ‘Choral’
Philharmonie de Paris, Paris
Saturday 25 May 2024, 8pm
Beethoven - Mass in C major
Beethoven - Symphony No 6 in F major, ‘Pastoral’
Sunday 26 May 2024, 4pm
Beethoven - Symphony No 2 in D major
Beethoven - Symphony No 9 in D minor, ‘Choral’
Tuesday 28 May 2024, 8pm
Beethoven - Symphony no 3 in E flat major, ‘Eroica’
Beethoven - Symphony no 4 in B flat major
Wednesday 29 May 2024, 8pm
Beethoven - Symphony no 5 in C minor
Beethoven - Symphony no 7 in A major
The Telegraph ★★★★: "A gloriously optimistic affair"
The Arts Desk ★★★★★: "Performances of radiant intensity and commitment...with an electric crackle of excitement tempered by virtuosic swagger and – not least – infectious fun."
Bachtrack ★★★★★: "A choral ensemble that is rightfully considered the best in Europe."
In 2020 the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (ORR) performed Beethoven’s complete symphonies across Europe and the US to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth and the 30th anniversary of the ORR. The New York Times declared, “This is how to do a Beethoven Symphony Cycle,” and El Pais described our performances as “pure musical joy”.
Due to the pandemic, the concerts in London and Athens were cancelled, but in May 2024 we were delighted to perform Beethoven’s complete symphonies at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and a selection of his symphonies at the Philharmonie de Paris. Our performances also featured Beethoven’s Mass in C major, the first of two masses he composed, and the Overture from his only full-length ballet The Creatures of Prometheus.
The Monteverdi Choir joined the ORR for performances of Beethoven’s Mass in C major and Symphony No. 9 alongside star soloists Lucy Crowe (soprano), Alice Coote (mezzo soprano), Allan Clayton (tenor) and William Thomas (bass).
Soloists: Lucy Crowe, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton & William Thomas
The Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique’s recordings of Beethoven’s symphonies have been described as a “tour de force… played at white heat”, “glorious” and “magnificent” by Gramophone magazine.
Beethoven composed his nine symphonies over 25 years – from 1799 to 1824. The symphonies trace a fascinating course through Beethoven’s development as a composer from his Viennese period, influenced by the classical tradition of Mozart and Haydn, through to his revolutionary and experimental late period. Beethoven’s process of composition meant wrestling not just with musical ideas but also with political and humanitarian themes. During these uncertain times, perhaps more than any other composer, he gives us a feeling of triumph over adversity.
St Martin's printed programme:
