Beethoven’s 9th at Versailles

Versailles Hall of Mirrors

If you’re anywhere near Versailles, or in Paris, or even France in July this year there’s one event you won’t want to miss: the one-night only performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony on the terraces of the Palace of Versailles. This Summer it will take place on July 13 – the night before La Fête Nationale.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor was his last complete symphony, finished in 1824. It’s one of the best known pieces of classical music and many consider it Beethoven’s finest work.

It is also unique because this was the first time voices were used in a symphony. In the final movement, four soloists and a choir sing words adapted by Beethoven from the Friedrich Schiller poem ‘Ode to Joy’.

This year the hour and a half long piece will be conducted by Daniel Barenboim, musical director of the Scala in Milan and the Berlin State Opera. Previous to this he was the conductor of the Paris Orchestra. He will be conducting the West Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Choir of the Paris Orchestra.

And while all of that is special enough it’s the location that makes this a lifetime experience. On the terraces of Versailles, outside the Hall of Mirrors, as the sun sets over the palace gardens. Wow!

Tickets can be booked here. Get yours before they are gone!

- Philippa B.

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