Proms 2023 Prom 12: Beethoven’s ‘Choral’ Symphony

Beethoven’s mighty ‘Choral’ Symphony, with its famous ‘Ode to Joy’ finale, is performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and new Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth in the first of their two Proms together this season (see Prom 43). The symphony’s monumental, revolutionary musical statement – seizing hope and happiness from doubt and struggle – is picked up in Helen Grime’s Proms commission Meditations on Joy, whose three movements are each inspired by a different poem and facet of joy.

Broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday 23 July, 8pm

Image: Ryan Wigglesworth