Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with its iconic opening and closing blaze of joyous light, is the most famous of all symphonies, loved by audiences the world over. It crowns the opening concert of our new season, conducted by Thierry Fischer, in a programme of orchestral showpieces.

Experience the dazzling and exotic colours of Stravinsky, the ebb and flow of Mendelssohn's seascape and the cool Gallic wit of Ibert, whose Flute Concerto is performed by the creme of French Flatists Emmanuel Pahud.

Emmanuel began studying music at the age of 6 and graduated with honors from the Paris Conservatoire. At the age of 22 he was appointed Principal Flute of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Claudio Abbado.

Recently he performed three newly commissioned flute concertos by Matthias Pintscher, Michael Jarell and Marc-Andre Dalbavie, all of which he has recorded. As a chamber musician, he regularly gives recital tours with pianists such as Eric Le Sage, Yefim Bronfman and Helene Grimaud, as well as jazz pianist Jacky Terrasson.