“A Grecian maiden” was how one 19th century critic described Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, but no words really do justice to the sparkling humour and pure, irrepressible life-force of this firecracker of a symphony. It’s a perfect counterpart to Detlev Glanert’s stunning new Harp Concerto – inspired by the harp’s ancient roots and glowing with the sunlight of Ancient Greece.

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Oramo conducts Beethoven's Fourth Symphony

Barbican Centre

The opening piece is an imaginative portrait in sound of melting Nordic ice. Shimmering and delicate textures give way to more urgent music, after which the piece 'rewinds', offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

BBC Symphony Orchestra

The Anvil

Expressing the effects of global warming and the collapse of historic ecosystems, Cecilia Darmström’s ICE depicts through music the earth fighting for existence, and how we could rewind this process. British composer Ninfea Cruttwell-Reade’s Piano Concerto receives its world premiere with BBC NOW regular, Clare Hammond at the keys before we turn to the series’ namesake, Grace Williams. One of her earliest works, and believed to be the first symphony ever written by a Welsh composer, her dramatic First Symphony is inspired by fifteenth century Welsh rebel, Owain Glyndŵr.

Cecilia Damström

Events

Past events

Jan 30, 2026

Oramo conducts Beethoven's Fourth Symphony · BBC Symphony Orchestra

Jan 30, 2026

Oramo conducts Beethoven's Fourth Symphony · Barbican Centre

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