The opening four notes of Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony etched a permanent rhythm onto humanity’s consciousness. After those stormy opening notes, Beethoven leads listeners from a struggle with fate to a radiant victory through his music in one of classical music’s most triumphant works.

To open the program, FWSO Music Director Robert Spano conducts another dramatic work by Beethoven, the Egmont Overture, before the 2025 Van Cliburn Piano Competition winner Aristo Sham plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23.