Symphonic Concert: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony & World Premiere by Michael Hoppe

As part of the FASMA 2026 program, audiences are invited to experience one of the festival's most significant musical events with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, universally regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of classical music. This extraordinary evening will also feature the world premiere of "Tho' Much is Taken, Much Abides" by internationally acclaimed British composer Michael Hoppe, who will be present to witness the premiere of his newest work.

Bringing together distinguished musicians, acclaimed soloists, outstanding choral ensembles, and leading orchestral performers from across central Mexico, this large-scale production celebrates artistic excellence, collaboration, and the enduring power of music to unite people across cultures and generations. The composer's personal presence makes this premiere an especially historic occasion.

About the Concert

The evening opens with the world premiere of "Tho' Much is Taken, Much Abides", a new composition by Michael Hoppe, internationally admired for his deeply expressive and emotionally resonant music. Experiencing a new work in the presence of its composer offers audiences a rare opportunity to witness a significant artistic milestone.

The program culminates with Beethoven's monumental Ninth Symphony, a groundbreaking work that forever changed orchestral music by introducing chorus and vocal soloists into the symphonic tradition. Its celebrated final movement, inspired by Friedrich Schiller's Ode to Joy, remains one of the world's most enduring symbols of unity, hope, and universal brotherhood.

The performance will feature a large orchestra composed of musicians from the Guanajuato Symphony Orchestra, the Querétaro Philharmonic Orchestra, the Celaya Conservatory, the University of Guanajuato, and other distinguished musical institutions. Joining them are acclaimed soloists Alejandra Sandoval (Soprano), Karla Pineda (Contralto), Olymar Salinas (Tenor), and Rodrigo Urrutia (Baritone), all under the direction of conductor Mauro Ledesma.

What You Will Discover

• A live performance of Beethoven's legendary Ninth Symphony.
• The world premiere of "Tho' Much is Taken, Much Abides", attended by composer Michael Hoppe.
• A full symphony orchestra featuring musicians from leading orchestras and conservatories.
• Outstanding vocal soloists and chorus conducted by Maestro Mauro Ledesma.
• One of the signature symphonic events of the FASMA 2026 festival.

This remarkable concert celebrates music at its highest artistic level. By bringing together one of history's greatest symphonic masterpieces with the premiere of a contemporary composition, the evening creates a powerful dialogue between tradition and innovation, offering audiences an unforgettable experience of inspiration, beauty, and musical excellence.

Event Details

Conductor: Mauro Ledesma
Program: World Premiere of Tho' Much is Taken, Much Abides by Michael Hoppe and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
Soloists: Alejandra Sandoval (Soprano), Karla Pineda (Contralto), Olymar Salinas (Tenor), Rodrigo Urrutia (Baritone)
Featuring: Chorus and orchestra with musicians from the Guanajuato Symphony Orchestra, Querétaro Philharmonic Orchestra, Celaya Conservatory, the University of Guanajuato, and other distinguished institutions.
Admission: 150 reserved seats available for purchase; all remaining seating will be free until capacity is reached.