Cleveland Orchestra Triumphant in Beethoven's 'Fateful Fifth'

Conductor Elim Chan and trumpeter Michael Sachs shine in concert featuring Beethoven, Haydn, and Stravinsky

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Orchestra delivered a captivating performance under the baton of conductor Elim Chan, featuring Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony, Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with soloist Michael Sachs, and Stravinsky's Suite from Pulcinella. Chan's interpretation of the Beethoven work was marked by clarity and relentless energy, while Sachs' virtuosic trumpet playing brought Haydn's concerto to life. The program also showcased the orchestra's exceptional ensemble work, particularly in the Stravinsky piece.

Why it matters

This concert highlighted the Cleveland Orchestra's continued artistic excellence under the leadership of rising star conductor Elim Chan. The performance of Beethoven's 'Fateful Fifth' was a testament to the orchestra's ability to breathe new life into a beloved classical masterpiece, while the Haydn concerto allowed principal trumpeter Michael Sachs to demonstrate his exceptional technical and expressive abilities. The inclusion of Stravinsky's Suite from Pulcinella also showcased the ensemble's versatility in tackling a wide range of repertoire.

The details

Conductor Elim Chan led the Cleveland Orchestra in a program that began with Stravinsky's Suite from Pulcinella, a work that blends 18th-century Baroque influences with the composer's distinctive 20th-century style. The orchestra's winds were particularly impressive in this piece, with oboist Frank Rosenwein and bassoonist John Clouser trading phrases with comedic timing. The Haydn Trumpet Concerto featured soloist Michael Sachs, who delivered a virtuosic performance marked by technical command and musical expressiveness. In the Beethoven Fifth Symphony, Chan conducted with clarity and relentless energy, driving the famous opening motive with a sense of urgency and alarm. The orchestra responded with tight ensemble and focused intensity throughout the work's dramatic shifts.

  • The concert took place on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Severance Music Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • The program will be repeated on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 pm.

The players

Elim Chan

The conductor who led the Cleveland Orchestra in this performance. Chan is a rising star in the classical music world, known for her interpretations that breathe new life into beloved works.

Michael Sachs

The principal trumpeter of the Cleveland Orchestra, who was the featured soloist in Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. Sachs is renowned for his virtuosic technique and expressive musicality.

Frank Rosenwein

The principal oboist of the Cleveland Orchestra, who delivered an impressive performance in the Stravinsky work.

John Clouser

The principal bassoonist of the Cleveland Orchestra, who traded phrases with Rosenwein in the Stravinsky piece with a sense of comedic timing.

The Cleveland Orchestra

One of the world's leading symphony orchestras, known for its exceptional ensemble playing and interpretations of a wide range of classical repertoire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Conductor Elim Chan kept The Cleveland Orchestra alternating between "light and attentive" and "clarity with relentless energy.”

— Kevin McLaughlin, Reviewer (cleveland.com)

“As for Beethoven's most theatrical strokes? Masterful, triumphant. As one would expect.”

— Kevin McLaughlin, Reviewer (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The concert program will be repeated over the next three days, giving audiences additional opportunities to experience the Cleveland Orchestra's acclaimed performances of these works.

The takeaway

This concert showcased the Cleveland Orchestra's continued artistic excellence under the baton of rising star conductor Elim Chan. The ensemble's interpretations of Beethoven, Haydn, and Stravinsky were marked by technical precision, expressive musicality, and a keen sense of drama - demonstrating why the Cleveland Orchestra remains one of the world's premier symphony orchestras.