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In the centenary year of the end of the First World War, the World Orchestra for Peace – founded by Georg Solti as an expression of international musical harmony – returns to the Proms.

Beethoven's cycle of nine symphonies ends with nothing less than a mighty rallying call to all humanity. Its daring and at times outlandish writing (including the first example of a composer using soloists and a chorus in a symphony) has sparked debate ever since its premiere in 1824. Despite that, who can fail to be swept up by his setting of Schiller's 'Ode to Joy' and vision of arcadia?

Performed by soprano Erin Wall, mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi, tenor Russell Thomas, bass Franz-Josef Selig, with the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Proms Youth Choir and the World Orchestra for Peace, conducted by Donald Runnicles. Chorus Master of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Proms Youth Choir is Simon Halsey.