Beethoven was born in Leipzig Germany in 1770.  In honour of the 250th anniversary of this event there are many celebratory concerts taking place in London and around the UK.  This is a good opportunity to get to know some of his famous pieces: Beethoven wrote 9 symphonies for orchestra of which the 5th, 6th and 9th are the most well known.  The 9th symphony in particular is worth hearing as it features an orchestra and a large choir singing The Ode To Joy.