STOCKTON - A full program of Beethoven is in store when the Stockton Symphony begins its Classics season on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Classics II: Beethoven Bash begins at 8 p.m. at Atherton Auditorium on the San Joaquin Delta College campus in Stockton, and repeats Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.

Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus begins the Symphony’s program, from the ballet of the same name which opened in 1801 for 28 performances (a modest success compared to other ballets at the time)—the largest number of public performance of any of Beethoven’s works in his lifetime. Only the Overture has survived in the concert hall.

Guest pianist Andreas Klein performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. Beethoven wrote most of his piano concertos with himself in mind as soloist, and gave the first performance of this concerto at a private hearing 1807. He also gave the first public performance of the work as a part of a four-hour marathon concert in 1808.

Symphony No. 2 completes the evening’s program and begins with the largest slow introduction to date. Its broad scope rages from simple lyricism, to dramatic outbursts. The second theme offers contrast of a martial rather than lyrical nature. The virtuosic writing continues to challenge modern orchestras.*

Purchase tickets online at www.stocktonsymphony.org or call the Symphony office at (209) 951-0196. Tickets begin at $22; tickets for children and students with an ID are half price.

Klein will teach a master class as part of the Master Class Series presented jointly by the Stockton Symphony and the University of the Pacific. The class will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, in the Recital Hall at Pacific. Pianists are encouraged to apply by calling the Symphony office at (209) 951-0196. The public is invited to observe the master class at no charge.