Babbling brooks, birdsong, a country gathering and a thunderstorm sweeping across the landscape. In his Sixth Symphony, Beethoven sought to capture the emotions that nature evokes rather than simply depict it in music. The so-called Pastoral Symphony takes us from the joy of arriving in the countryside, through the tranquillity of a brookside scene and the drama of a storm, to the calm and gratitude that follow when the skies have cleared.

But Beethoven was also capable of writing music of an entirely different dramatic intensity. In the concert aria Ah! perfido, we encounter a woman betrayed by her lover. She rages against him and calls upon the gods to punish him – only to beg them for mercy on his behalf moments later. This emotionally charged concert aria for soprano and orchestra is performed by Christina Nilsson.

The concert opens with the Faust Overture by German composer Emilie Mayer. During the 19th century, she made a name for herself with music of unusually ambitious proportions, composing eight symphonies and fifteen orchestral overtures, among other works. After her death, her music was largely forgotten, but the 21st century has seen a growing rediscovery of her compositions.

The concert is part of Stockholm Concert Hall’s Beethoven Festival, marking the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death in 2027. The festival features all nine of his symphonies, each paired with music by a female composer. On 2 June, it is the Royal Swedish Orchestra’s turn, conducted by Music Director Alan Gilbert – formerly Chief Conductor and now Conductor Laureate of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cast subject to change.