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Daniel Barenboim’s Beethoven cycle reaches its climax with a youthful take on the traditional annual Proms performance of the Ninth, perhaps the richest, most provocative statement in Western art music.

An impressive team of soloists joins the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra to project the finale’s inclusive vision of hope, reconciliation and hard-won triumph. What better to mark today’s opening of the London 2012 Olympics than Beethoven’s ultimate hymn to universal brotherhood?

There will be no interval

Discover the Music In the Beginning was Sound - Radio 4 Controller Gwyneth Williams writes about working with Barenboim on his 2006 Reith Lectures.

In the Begining was Sound - Barenboim's 2006 Reith lectures

Download a 3 minute audio guide to Beethoven's 9th symphony.