‘Born in Britain: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony’. A Day of Celebration, 21 March 2025, marking 200 years since the first performance in Britain, on 21 March 1825, of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a work commissioned from the composer by the Philharmonic Society of London.

The day was sponsored by the Royal Philharmonic Society, now 212 years old and still proudly associated with Beethoven’s music and legacy.

In the morning and afternoon we presented two pop-up events at the NatWest Bank on Regent Street, where the Society’s original venue stood, the Argyll Rooms at the north corner of Little Argyll Street opposite today’s Apple store. Featuring London’s first purpose-built orchestral hall, designed by John Nash, this site played a key role in the society’s founding in 1813, enabling its musicians to perform the latest European and British music for its members and supporters.

How lucky we were to hear the ‘Ode to Joy’ live again, in the bank, sung by a quartet from the Guildhall School. Alexander Armstrong of Classic FM spoke delightedly of his affection for Beethoven’s score.

Later that day, the RPS held a conversational event at the British Library with four contributors: myself (RPS Hon. Librarian), Errollyn Wallen (Master of the King’s Music), the award-winning conductor Martyn Brabbins, and our expert chair Katy Hamilton.

Under the title ‘Born in Britain’, we explored not only the circumstances leading up to the commission, 1817-22, and something of Beethoven's longstanding personal relations with several members of the Society, but also the excited local preparations and reactions to this most glorious yet long and difficult score. The English copyist, Joseph John Harris, had his work cut out. But he could still affirm that it was 'the most beautiful Composition'.

Sir George Smart conducted from the keyboard and noted on his programme that he began the piece at 10:22 pm and finished at 11:26 pm - not a slow performance, just a long evening!

After subsequent performances came gradual change in how players, conductors and listeners approached the Ninth Symphony. Finally, under Hector Berlioz in 1852, London audiences thrilled to the work’s large scale and full effect.

Errollyn and Martyn brought us movingly up to date with their own experiences of Beethoven, and of managing commissions, performers and new works in the modern age. We all agreed: plain sailing may never be a certainty in performance, but good music will endure.

‘What a fantastic communicator you were - so clear, erudite and engaging ... I’m sure Beethoven would have enjoyed it!

Mark Hancock

‘An impressively knowledgeable panel’ Astrid Spink

‘It was captivating and inspiring – we all learned so much ... you bring history to life so brilliantly’ James Murphy

For a podcast made at the NatWest Beethoven celebration on 21 March 2025 by The Standard, go here (9 minutes in).

A film of our RPS Conversation held at the Piggott Theatre in the British Library is forthcoming soon.