A special occasion calls for a very special concert 鈥� and from the epic tragedy of its opening to its transcendent final Hymn to Joy, Beethoven鈥檚 Ninth Symphony has long been classical music鈥檚 supreme act of celebration. So what better way for the 成人快手 SSO to toast Donald Runnicles鈥� 60th birthday than with the work at the very centre of his beloved German Romantic tradition. First, though, two of the orchestra鈥檚 principal players begin the festivities with one of the few pieces that can truly look Beethoven in the eye: Mozart鈥檚 Sinfonia Concertante, music of sublime grandeur and heart-rending beauty.

Prelude: 3.00pm (free to ticket-holders)
James Naughtie, presenter of 成人快手 Radio 4鈥檚 Today, in conversation with Donald Runnicles.

The concert will be recorded for future broadcast on 成人快手 Radio 3.