Beethoven’s The Fifths
Few works in the history of music are as instantly recognizable or as profoundly influential as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Composed between 1804 and 1808, this monumental symphony stands as a powerful artistic expression of fate, resilience, and ultimate triumph. Its opening motif — four notes that have come to symbolize determination and destiny — has transcended generations, cultures, and historical moments.
The program will present two of Beethoven’s most celebrated masterpieces, both bearing the number five: the Fifth Symphony and the Piano Concerto No. 5, commonly known as the “Emperor.” More than two centuries after its premiere, the Fifth Symphony remains a cornerstone of the classical repertoire and a defining achievement of the Western musical tradition. It bridges the elegance of the Classical period with the expressive depth of the Romantic era, showcasing Beethoven’s unparalleled ability to fuse structure with emotional intensity. Paired with the grandeur and lyrical brilliance of the “Emperor” Concerto in the second half, this program offers a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of Beethoven’s artistic vision through these two iconic works.
Dubai Opera in partnership with M Premiere are proud to present these iconic masterpieces in a one-night-only performance by the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra. Renowned for its exceptional musicianship and deep artistic heritage, the orchestra of Hungarian State Opera will offer an interpretation that is both faithful to Beethoven’s vision and infused with dramatic vitality.
This is a rare opportunity to experience both Beethoven’s the Fifths - the classical world greatest achievements - on the same night, performed by an ensemble of international acclaim, in the grandeur of Dubai Opera’s acoustically exquisite theatre.
Highlights
● Performed by the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, one of Europe’s most respected and historic ensembles.
● Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Piano Concerto No. 5 celebrated for its architectural brilliance and profound emotional depth.
● A compelling musical journey from darkness to light, symbolizing struggle, resilience, and triumph.
● A distinguished concert experience featuring one of the most iconic and enduring works in the classical repertoire.
Photo Gallery
I part:
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, op. 67;
25-minute intermission
II part:
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, op. 73 ("Emperor”);
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes including intermission
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable
Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Anna Tsybuleva, pianist
Described by Gramophone Magazine as embodying “superb pianism and intelligent musicianship”, Anna Tsybuleva shot into the international spotlight in 2015 when she was crowned First Prize Winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition. She received wide critical acclaim for her winning performance and was described as “A pianist of rare gifts: not since Murray Perahia’s triumph in 1972 has Leeds had a winner of this musical poise and calibre” (International Piano Magazine).
Since her early rural beginnings, Tsybuleva has gone on to triumph in recital on many of the greatest international stages, including Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam, KKL Luzern, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Philharmonie Luxembourg, Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, Tonhalle Zürich, and the Wigmore Hall.
Recent and forthcoming highlights as concerto soloist include engagements with the Dortmunder Philharmoniker, hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, Orquesta Extremadura, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, amongst others. She has the pleasure of collaborating with such esteemed conductors as Alain Altinoglu, Sir Mark Elder, Jonathon Heyward, Michał Nesterowicz, Yuri Temirkanov, Krzysztof Urbański, and Duncan Ward, to name a few.
Tsybuleva is signed to record label Signum Classics for a multi-disc deal, her most recent release being Debussy’s Préludes for Solo Piano (2024). She released her first recording for the label in 2021 to enormous critical acclaim (Brahms Piano Concerto No.2, with DSO Berlin conducted by Ruth Reinhardt). Praise included “Poetic lyricism, combining geniality with grace” (Gramophone), and “Tsybuleva reveals deep empathy for the hushed anguish cocooned in the heart of Brahms. Passionate, exquisite, hypnotic” (BBC Music Magazine). In 2022, she made the world-premiere recording of a newly commissioned piano concerto, with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop.
István Dénes, conductor
István Dénes (b. 1954) graduated from the Departments of Composition, Conducting and Piano at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in 1977. Since then, he has been the member of the Hungarian State Opera, where he made his debut as a conductor in The Cunning Little Vixen by Janáček in 1979. His breakthrough came with the 1981 production of Porgy and Bess. He has also conducted in major opera houses throughout Europe, from 1987 until 1995 he was the principal conductor of the Theater Bremen, between 1995 and 2008, he was the general music director of the Theater in Trier. His repertoire includes over 80 works including Il trovatore, Carmen, Die Zauberflöte, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, Der Rosenkavalier, Tristan und Isolde, Otello, La bohème, Aida, Tosca, and Salome. Apart from his own compositions, he is renowned for the transcription of John the Valiant by Kacsóh and presenting such Hungarian masterpieces as Bánk Bán – The Viceroy Bánk by Erkel and The Tower of the Voivod by Dohnányi. He is also renowned for conducting 20th-century music like four one-acts by Hindemith in the OPERA’s German Late Night production. His achievements were awarded with the Liszt Award in 2021, and he became an eternal member of the Hungarian State Opera in 2024.
Hungarian State Opera Orchestra
It was not only in the institutional performance of opera in Hungary that Ferenc Erkel played a critical role, he was also responsible for organizing the first Hungarian orchestra. And it was from the orchestra that first started operating at the Hungarian Theatre of Pest (later the National Theatre) in January 1838 that the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra evolved, making it more than 180 years old. They presented Erkel's first opera, Bátori Mária, and have been involved in the overwhelming majority of Hungary's opera premieres.
