Murray Perahia and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields play Beethoven

In one of 2016/17’s classical highlights, world-leading pianist Murray Perahia celebrates the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven in Perahia Plays Beethoven, a four-concert series at London’s Barbican with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Over the course of the season, the acclaimed American applies his penetrating intellect and exquisite musicianship to the brilliant German’s much-loved piano concertos, directing all five from the piano.

Academy Leader Tomo Keller opens the final Academy concert of Perahia plays Beethoven, performing the dual-role of soloist and director for Beethoven’s Romance No 2 and Symphony No 1, paving the way for Perahia’s performance of the mighty 'Emperor' Concerto in the second half. From the grandiose opening flourishes, through the sublime tenderness of the second movement, to the breathless exuberance of the technically demanding finale, Beethoven’s greatest piano concerto provides a fitting close to this Beethoven piano concertos cycle by one of the greatest pianists of our age.

A pre-concert talk will take place in the Barbican Hall from 6:30pm.