Malvern Theatres marks the start of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year later this month with performances of the composer’s second and third symphonies played by Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Sir Roger Norrington.

A spokesman said: “One of the world’s leading ensembles period-instrument ensembles, the OAE is particularly renowned for its performances of nineteenth-century classics.

“A pioneer in performance music using the instruments and orchestral forces of its time, Sir Roger Norrington has spent more than half a century at the forefront of British conducting.

“His recordings of Beethoven’s symphonies with the London Classical Players, made in the late 1980s, have never been out of the catalogue and are still praised for their revolutionary spirit.

The concert presents two Beethoven symphonies, each strikingly contrasting in style.” Beethoven’s second is characterised by its eloquent opening, lyrical slow movement and sparkling finale.

His third was famously dedicated to Napoleon, although Beethoven changed his mind when Bonaparte declared himself emperor, violently scratching his name from the score. Beethoven instead subtitled the work Sinfonia Eroica, or Heroic Symphony.

ThThe spokesman said: “The work is particularly notable for its scale, which far exceeds that of any previous symphony, as well as for its varied and imaginative orchestration and the drama and passion of its music.”

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment perform at Malvern Theatres on Wednesday January, 29, at 7.45pm.

Tickets are available from Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277 or malvern-theatres.co.uk.