Michael Stern and pianist Clayton Stephenson open the cycle with Beethoven’s poetic Fourth Piano Concerto and music from Egmont, tracing a composer finding his voice with grace, depth, and quiet defiance.

Beethoven’s ideals resound as Stern leads the heroic Eroica Symphony. Joined by chorus and soloists, the evening celebrates freedom, humanity, and the shared power of music to inspire change.

JoAnn Falletta explores Beethoven’s early brilliance with the buoyant Second Symphony and Piano Concerto No. 2. Pianist Michael Davidman brings freshness and clarity to music alive with wit and forward momentum.

The cycle concludes in exuberance as Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony lifts the room. Joined by soloists for the Triple Concerto, this finale celebrates rhythm, joy, and the unmistakable energy of a hall alive together.