Classical Season 2019/20
Big Beethoven Weekend 1: The Symphonies
All nine Beethoven symphonies in one weekend
John Suchet presenter
Two centuries after his death, Beethoven’s nine revolutionary symphonies continue to define the way we hear classical music. Now, over one extraordinary weekend at Sage Gateshead, hear all nine in one single thrilling rush, played by five of the UK’s finest orchestras under conductors guaranteed to show this world-changing music at its very best. From the youthful rebellion of the first symphony through to the Ode to Joy that crowns the ninth, it’s the greatest story ever told in music, and whether you dip in and out or dive headlong into the full, epic experience, expect music-making that’ll refresh both heart and soul.
>> Book a Weekend Ticket
>> Book a Saturday Ticket
>> Book a Sunday Ticket
Join us for something to eat!
If you’re coming along to the Big Beethoven Weekend, why not have a bite to eat between the concerts? Pop-up food stalls will be available on the Concourse from 12pm each day, with options including fish and chips, and beef or vegetable stews with dumplings and crusty bread. Our café will also be open as usual to offer a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and treats. Packed lunches are available to pre-order from the café throughout the weekend, and can be collected from the coffee station at Box Office from an hour after ordering.
Booking Information
- Weekend tickets £60
- Day tickets £35
- Single concert tickets £20/Restricted view £15 (available via Box Office only)
Saturday 22 February 12 noon
Kirill Karabits conductor
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven Symphony No.1
Beethoven Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’
Saturday 22 February 3.30pm
Ilan Volkov conductor
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven Symphony No.2
Beethoven Symphony No.4
Saturday 22 February 7.30pm
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven Symphony No.5
Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’
Sunday 23 February 3pm
Lars Vogt conductor
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Beethoven Symphony No.8
Beethoven Symphony No.7
Sunday 23 February 7pm
Sir Mark Elder conductor
Elizabeth Atherton soprano
Sarah Castle mezzo soprano
Stuart Jackson tenor
Neal Davies bass
The Hallé
The Hallé Choir
Beethoven Symphony No.9 ‘Choral’
Discover Beethoven Talks
C9, Music Education Centre
Join musicians, conductors, and leading academics for a series of free talks in our Music Education Centre.
Beethoven’s Symphonies: Musical and Historical Context
Saturday 22 February, 2.15-3.15pm
Professor Jeremy Dibble
Beethoven: A Conductor’s Perspective
Saturday 22 February, 5.15-6pm
Ilan Volkov
Beethoven: A Player’s Perspective
Sunday 23 February, 4.45-5.45pm
Members of Royal Northern Sinfonia
Book Sales and Signings
Concourse
An opportunity to purchase a signed copy of John Suchet’s new book, Beethoven: The Man Revealed, released on 13 February 2020. Timings are as follows:
Saturday 22 February
Book Sales: 11am-12pm, 2.30-3.30pm, 6-6.45pm
Book Signing: 6.15-6.45pm
Sunday 23 February
Book Sales: 5-6.30pm
Book Signing: 6-6.30pm
Ludwig's Lounge
Sage Two
Visit Sage Two where you can discover more about Beethoven’s life and work in a series of short films curated especially for this weekend. Pop in and stay as long as you like. Free entry.
Open Saturday 11am-7.30pm and Sunday 2pm-7pm
Student Performances
Concourse
From 5.30pm on Sunday 23 February, hear students from Sage Gateshead’s Centre for Advanced Training programme perform live on the Concourse.
