The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Spring/Summer season will open in March 2026 with 'Ode to Joy—Jaap van Zweden & ESO' featuring the orchestra's Artist-in-Residence and world-renowned maestro, Jaap van Zweden. This landmark concert will present Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, also known as the “Choral” symphony, performed with four internationally acclaimed vocalists and the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus—a rare vocal spectacular for Taiwan's classical music scene.

The ESO has assembled a world-class vocal ensemble for this performance. American soprano Ailyn Pérez, hailed by The New York Times as 'the most exciting soprano on stage today,' brings her luminous artistry to the program. German mezzo-soprano Christina Bock, a regular presence at the Vienna State Opera and Salzburg Festival, is celebrated for her vibrant tone and dramatic interpretations.
American tenor Brian Jagde, whose powerful voice and dramatic intensity have graced the Metropolitan Opera and Royal Opera House, will deliver Beethoven's demanding tenor role. Completing the quartet is Russian bass Alexander Vinogradov, one of the most sought-after bass voices on the international stage. For Taiwanese audiences, the opportunity to experience Maestro van Zweden alongside these four stars represents an extraordinary occasion, as the monumental power of voices and chorus brings new distinction to Beethoven's timeless masterwork.

'Ode to Joy,' from Friedrich Schiller's 1785 poem, became the text for the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and now serves as the anthem of the European Union. It remains one of the most iconic works in music history. Through its carefully layered construction, the symphony culminates in a glorious and solemn choral finale that transcends time and geography.
The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra will present 'Ode to Joy—Jaap van Zweden & ESO' on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the National Taichung Theater, and Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. For ticketing information,
please contact the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra or visit the OPENTIX platform (Tickets for the Taipei performance go on sale December 29.).