Beethoven 5 & Mao Fujita

Nov 5-8, 2026
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Overview Schedule Program Performers Extras

Overview

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, with its iconic four-note motif, stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Strauss’ Burlesque — written when the composer was just 21 — makes the perfect pairing, dazzling with pianistic fireworks and mischievous energy. The piece has become a calling card for rising pianist Mao Fujita, who performs it “with the maturity of someone twice his age” (Bachtrack).

  • Venue
    Symphony Center
  • Price
    $55.00+ (incl. fees)
  • Length
    2 hours
  • Preconcert conversation
    Johann Buis
Schedule
Program
Wagner

Prelude to Parsifal

R. Strauss

Burlesque

Beethoven

Symphony No. 5

Extras

Enhance your concert experience.
Preconcert Conversation

Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Johann Buis in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.

Preconcert Dining

Explore Symphony Center’s on-site dining options for a seamless preconcert experience. Preorder a Sound Bites meal to enjoy in the Rotunda at Symphony Center before the concert — or make a reservation to dine at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare and a spectacular view of lake Michigan. View menus and learn more »

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Beethoven’s Fifth intro served as Allied code during World War II
The Allies used the first four notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (“da-da-da-dum”) as an acoustic code because the work's rhythmic pattern corresponds to the letter “V” (dot-dot-dot-dash) in Morse Code,
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‘The Eternal Original’ marks 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death
To mark the bicentennial of the death of Ludwig van Beethoven, the CSO and Symphony Center Presents have programmed "Beethoven: The Eternal Original," a season-long celebration of the composer and humanitarian.
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Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5: ‘the zenith of his career’
According to founder and first music director Theodore Thomas, Beethoven's second creative period — in which he composed the Fifth Symphony — produced "works which are as nearly perfect as anything human can be."
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