Beethoven's 9th Symphony sets the tone at the turn of the year

The major orchestras in Saxony are focusing on hits from the classical repertoire at the turn of the year. Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th Symphony can be heard in the program of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra Chemnitz. The Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden will celebrate the 2025 finale on December 31 and as a New Year's concert on January 1 with great Italian opera, masterpieces of concert literature and Broadway classics.

Staatskapelle Dresden offers classical stars for ZDF concert

Music lovers can also watch the Staatskapelle's performance on television. The concert will be broadcast on ZDF from 5.30 pm on New Year's Eve. For the concert, the "Kapelle" - as the orchestra is known to its fans - has been able to engage the Colombian Andrés Orozco-Estrada, one of the most sought-after conductors. In addition, international classical stars such as French cellist Gautier Capuçon, South African soprano Pretty Yende and baritone Benjamin Appl are set to provide the sparkle.

Beethoven's "Ninth" to give you goosebumps

"What could end the year in more style than Beethoven's Ninth Symphony," the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra asks its audience. The monumental work is far more than a musical classic, as it is a message to humanity. "With the famous ode 'To Joy', Beethoven celebrates the ideals of freedom, brotherhood and hope. The rousing choral finale is a musical firework display that gives you goosebumps and makes you feel the power of community."

Masterpiece as a sign of awakening and cohesion

"The symphony begins with mysterious, quiet sounds, but then unfolds an almost infinite variety of emotions: from dramatic tension to dancing lightness to triumphant joy," is how the Philharmonie describes the "Ninth". It leaves no one untouched and is perfectly suited to the occasion - after all, New Year's Eve and New Year also stand for new beginnings, solidarity and looking towards a better future. The work will be conducted by Sakari Oramo from Japan at the Dresden Kulturpalast on December 30 and 31.

The Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig and the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra in Chemnitz will also bid farewell with Beethoven's opus magnum, the final section of which forms the basis for the European anthem. The American Alan Gilbert will be conducting in Leipzig. He will conduct performances on the last three days of the year. The Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra in the Chemnitz Stadthalle will perform the "Ninth" under the direction of Benjamin Reiners only once - on New Year's Eve at 6 p.m.