Academy of Ancient Music, Three Last Symphonies

Here’s your chance to hear three masterpieces in one night. Bringing their 40th anniversary season at the Barbican to a triumphant close, the Academy of Ancient Music will perform the final symphonies of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven (otherwise known as “the Jupiter”, “the London” and “the Choral”).

It’s a daunting undertaking. These works are among the finest things their composers ever wrote, and and have been performed many times before. But we have no doubt that the Academy, under the direction of Richard Egarr, will do full justice to the majestic grandeur of the “Jupiter”, the sprightly wit of the “London” and the fire and exultation of the “Choral”.

We’re looking forward to hearing some wonderful voices in Beethoven’s rapturous setting of Schiller’s Ode to Joy , including the soprano Elizabeth Watts – whose voice has been described as “one of the most beautiful Britain has produced in a generation” – and the mezzo-soprano Daniela Lehner. But it's difficult to single out highlights in what promises to be an evening of pure pleasure from start to finish, celebrating some of the greatest composers at their very best.