Ode To Joy by Chin, Beethoven, Od (2025/2025), Dirigent Kahchun Wong, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, United Kingdom

Kahchun Wong is joined by a host of acclaimed British soloists and the full forces of the Hallé and Hallé Choir for this triumphant season finale. Rapturously received by the audience at its 1824 premiere, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony remains a firm favourite today. By this time, Beethoven was profoundly deaf and had to be gently turned to face the audience to accept their adulation, which was shown by the waving of hands, hats and handkerchiefs as well as multiple standing ovations. Internationally-renowned Sheng player Wu Wei opens the programme with a gorgeous performance of Unsuk Chin’s Šu. Composed especially for him, it is a shimmering example of the wide range of tonal colour offered by this ancient instrument.