Gewandhaus Orchestra and Beethoven's Ninth

You can see here the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig, which is, apparently, the oldest civic orchestra in the world ie not owned by royalty. This is the applause at the end of the performance.

I'm so used to hearing this with an English speaking choir singing the German text, that I was bowled over by the difference hearing native speakers singing in German. It might have also been the acoustic too, but the orchestra was very clear, especially the woodwinds. You seemed to sitting on top of the musicians, and felt a lot closer to the action. A great way to start end of year celebrations...