Beethoven's oeuvre does not contain a single magnum opus as Fidelio, the Missa solemnis,, the Grand Fugue and the 'Hammerklavier' Sonata all fit this category. However, if one must choose only one emblematic work of his, one that is able to address the widest possible audience, it would indisputably be the Ninth Symphony. This work plays a key role in his life work in several senses: it is the culmination of the exciting process of the development of his later style and the revolutionary innovation in the genre of the symphony that pointed the way forward as far as Mahler. It is also the clearest and most tangible expression of Beethoven's message of humanism, which is not just about joy itself, but also uses it to represent the triple ideal of the decades following the French Revolution, the idea of liberty, equality and fraternity with the words of Schiller: Seid umschlungen, Millionen ('Be embraced, you millions'). It is no wonder, then, that the European Union chose the fourth movement of this very symphony, the Ode to Joy, to serve as its anthem.
At this morning concert, Gábor Hollerung will not only conduct the symphony's closing movement at the helm of the Budapest Academic Choral Society and the Dohnányi Orchestra Budafok: as an experienced presenter, he will also help the young audience understand Beethoven's message.

Before the performance, between 9.45 and 10.30, we will be running a free (and playful) interactive session for children entitled Tune-up. We look forward to welcoming both school groups and individual school-age youngsters attending the subsequent performance. Please register via csip@mupa.hu by midnight on the Wednesday before the performance, specifying the number of participating children and their ages. The activity is recommended for children aged 6 and over, and will take place with a minimum of six children.

Age: 10-14 year
Presented by: Müpa Budapest