A true classic never grows old. Maestro Jaap van Zweden will lead the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO) in one of classical music’s most iconic masterpieces – Beethoven’s Symphony No.5, also known as the “Fate Symphony.” The concert, titled “Jaap van Zweden Conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5,” is part of ESO 2025 season - Maestro’s Selections concert series and will take place on July 11 and 12 at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts Weiwuying Concert Hall and the Pingtung County Performing Arts Center. The program features Austro-German music from the Classical-Romantic transitional period, including a rarely played Mozart concerto for flute and harp, marking ESO’s first performance of the work.

The first half of the concert opens with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides, an overture inspired by the composer’s journey to the Scottish island of Staffa and the majestic sight of its basalt sea cave, Fingal’s Cave. Rich in imagery, the piece features a rhythmic motif passed between strings and bassoons, vividly evoking the sound of waves crashing against the cavern walls. As Wagner praised, “Mendelssohn is a landscape painter of the first order, and ‘The Hebrides’ overture is his masterpiece.” The music promises to transport listeners into a remote and expansive seascape, immersing them in both awe and tranquility.

Next on the program is Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto in C major, a radiant and celebrated work known for its lyrical and graceful melodies. The piece is built on a poetic dialogue between the two solo instruments and their enchanting interplay with the orchestra. To bring this rare double concerto to life, ESO has invited former principal flutist Yew-Kia Koh to return as a guest soloist, performing alongside acclaimed harpist Menglu Chiu. Both are distinguished musicians with active international careers, and their musical chemistry promises to deliver a special performance.

The highlight of the evening is Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 in C minor, universally recognized for its iconic “short-short-short-long” motif, often interpreted as the “knock of fate.” From its dramatic opening to its triumphant finale, the symphony captures Beethoven’s resilient spirit. Maestro van Zweden – renowned for his Beethoven interpretations – brings his signature precision and intensity to this performance. Under his masterful and inspiring direction, the ESO has undergone meticulous artistic refinement, heightening anticipation for what promises to be a memorable experience.

The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra proudly presents “ESO 2025 - Jaap van Zweden conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5” on Friday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts Weiwuying Concert Hall, and Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pingtung County Performing Arts Center. Tickets are now available online through OPENTIX. For more information regarding the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra and its concert series, please visit the ESO website for further inquiries.