Plaque for Beethoven

John Nash's Argyll Rooms where
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony received its UK premiere

On 11 August a Westminster City Council Green Plaque will be be unveiled at the site of the first UK performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in London's Regent Street. The plaque is being unveiled to mark the Bicentenary of the Royal Philharmonic Society, which commissioned Beethoven’s masterwork in 1822. The Philharmonic Society, conducted by founder member Sir George Smart, gave the first UK performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on 21 March 1825 at the New Argyll Rooms. Designed by John Nash, this collection of concert rooms stood from 1820 -1830 on the spot of what is now the Regent Street branch of National Westminster Bank.

The Royal Philharmonic Society is celebrating its 200th birthday this year and the unveiling forms part of a day celebrating the RPS and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony culminating in a performance of the work by the National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Choir at a special free BBC Prom and the world premiere of a specially commissioned new work, Mark-Anthony Turnage's Frieze, which was inspired by Beethoven's great symphony.