Join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening as they bring to life one of the most iconic pieces of orchestral music—Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. This symphony, known for its dramatic motifs and powerful crescendos, promises to captivate and move the audience with its sheer musical brilliance.

The concert will be held on Saturday, April 26 at Seabrook Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to settle in before the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to experience Beethoven's masterpiece in a live setting.

The evening will kick off with Jessica Meyer's 'Turbulent Flames,' a dynamic new work that explores themes of unpredictability and reactivity. Meyer is a celebrated composer whose innovative works have garnered critical acclaim.

Next, the FSO will be joined by Billy Hunter, the Principal Trumpet for the Metropolitan Opera, for a performance of Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E flat Major. Hunter's expertise and emotive performance style ensure that this rendition of Hummel's concerto will be nothing short of spectacular.

Hummel's Concerto for Trumpet in E-flat Major holds great importance in the trumpet repertoire as it was created for a newly invented keyed trumpet. This innovation enabled musicians to explore previously unattainable sounds on the traditional trumpet. The concerto maintains many classical elements of its time while also hinting at the romantic concertos that would follow.

The evening will conclude with Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. Written between 1804 and 1808, this piece stands as one of the most celebrated and significant compositions in Western music. 

Its opening four-note motif -short-short-short-long-is perhaps the most famous musical phrase ever created. The symphony unfolds like a dramatic narrative, transitioning from the intense struggle and gloom of the C minor beginning to the victorious and resolute C major finale. Beethoven enhances the orchestral texture in the final movement by incorporating instruments that were uncommon in symphonies of that era, such as the piccolo, contrabassoon, and three trombones. 

This symphony profoundly impacted subsequent Romantic composers. In summary, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is extraordinary due to its immense power, profound emotional resonance, innovative structural cohesion, and enduring influence.

Tickets for Beethoven V can be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the night of the concert. To make this event accessible to everyone, a variety of discounts are available. Seniors, military personnel, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees can all take advantage of special pricing on ticket purchases.

As the evening comes to a close, stick around for an exciting first look at the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's upcoming 2025-26 season. This sneak peek will provide insights into the thrilling performances and special events that the FSO has planned for the next year.