Beethoven Unbound
Sunday, February 21, 2027 - 2:30pm
Sunny Xia
conductor
Charlie Albright
piano
Heroic. Defiant. Unbound.
Sunny Xia, conductor
Charlie Albright, piano
Ludwig van Beethoven: “Emperor” Concerto No. 5
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3
Experience Beethoven with nothing held back — the thundering brilliance of the 'Emperor' Concerto, brought to life by pianist Charlie Albright, and the heroic sweep of Symphony No. 3. Led by conductor Sunny Xia, this is Beethoven as he was meant to be heard: bold, defiant, and unbound.
The Vibe
Here’s what this concert feels like, who it’s right for, and what to bring with you.
Type of Afternoon
This concert works well as:
- A classic Sunday matinee
- A powerful and inspiring afternoon
- A date with a genius
- Timeless, but never stuffy — come as you are
What to Expect
From your seat, you can expect:
- Beethoven at full throttle
- A dazzling piano soloist
- The symphony that changed everything
- Heroic themes and thunderous finales
Come With
To get the most out of the afternoon, bring:
- An open heart
- Your favorite person
- Room for goosebumps
At the Same Time
Both works on this program were first heard in a particular moment. Here’s what was happening at the far edge of the continent the same year.
Symphony No. 3, Eroica
ViennaBeethoven conducted the first public performance of the Eroica in 1805 — the same year Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia, where Clark wrote in his journal, “Ocian in view! O! the joy!”
Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor
LeipzigBeethoven’s deafness kept him from playing his own “Emperor” Concerto at its premiere in 1811 — the same year the Tonquin crossed the Columbia bar and anchored under Cape Disappointment, landing the first American colonists on the Pacific coast.