Radio Times: Review by:; David Gillard

The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra bring their Beethoven symphony cycle to an appropriate close with the ultimate hymn to the brotherhood of man — the Choral, the monumental Ninth. The fusion of poetry (Schiller’s Ode to Joy, which provides the symphony’s choral climax), voices and orchestral music were to inspire Beethoven
to a joyous statement of universal fraternity. And who better to express it today than these brilliant and inspirational young Arab and Israeli players? The National Youth Choir
of Great Britain and four international soloists add their support. Let joy be unconfined.

About this programme

Live from the Royal Albert Hall in London. As the Olympic Games open in the capital, Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra reach the climax of their Beethoven Cycle with the iconic Ninth Symphony - a hymn to universal brotherhood. Presented by Tom Service. Anna Samuil (soprano), Waltraud Meier (mezzo), Michael König (tenor), René Pape (bass), National Youth Choir of Great Britain, West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conductor Daniel Barenboim. Beethoven: Symphony No 9 in D minor (Choral). Repeated on Wednesday at 2pm.