Beethoven Festival

Ludwig van Beethoven is impossible to bypass, and his symphonies are unique: extraordinary discoveries for those hearing them for the first time, yet music that rewards repeated exploration. There is a reason Beethoven continually returns to concert programmes. The Beethoven Festival 2027 marks the 200th anniversary of his death, as well as the 125th anniversary of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Over two intensive weeks in late May and early June 2027, all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies are performed, by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra together with six visiting Swedish orchestras. The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor Ryan Bancroft perform Symphonies Nos. 1, 5 and 9 – the Ninth with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and vocal soloists.

Beethoven’s symphonies are flanked by other music – both historical works and more recent compositions by female composers – placing Beethoven in a new light. From earlier repertoire, works by Amy Beach, Louise Farrenc and Emilie Mayer are performed, all born in the 19th century and pioneers of their time. The programmes also include music by the prodigy Lili Boulanger and a modern master such as Kaija Saariaho. Contemporary composers are represented by Olga Neuwirth, Britta Byström, Anna Clyne and Lotta Wennäkoski.

Konserthuset carefully preserves a tradition of orchestral festivals, and many will remember the major Mahler Festival in 2010, the Sibelius/Nielsen Festival in 2015 and the Stenhammar Festival in 2021. The festival format creates a sense of context and community, offering audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in a major artistic oeuvre. And Beethoven – he is, in many ways, the very embodiment of the great artistic genius: the Romantic ideal.