In a tale worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, Beethoven’s Third Symphony is enshrouded in a story of betrayal and defiance as the composer battled through personal and political strife.

As the promise of liberty in the French Revolution emerged, Beethoven dedicated his symphony to Napoleon in the hope of a better future. When scandal erupted and Napoleon betrayed his way to the top, Beethoven furiously tore out the dedication and renamed the Symphony Eroica.

Grappling with his worsening deafness and political turmoil, Beethoven refused to write music for music’s sake. Instead, Eroica shattered expectations and produced a radical vision of real-life heroism. Eroica wasn’t just music; it was revolution.

The spirit of bold innovation continues to shape music today. Paired with ‘Eroica’ in this concert is the world-premiere of Stephen McNeff’s Concerto for Violin, performed by Fenella Humphreys. Drawing from Baroque influences, McNeff’s Concerto fuses historical ideas with modern sounds, creating something entirely new – music that pushes boundaries, just like ‘Eroica’ did.