Beethoven’s Nine: Ode to Humanity

A Film by Larry Weinstein

FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A SESSION WITH

Gustavo Gimeno (Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra)

Larry Weinstein (Filmmaker)

Steve Paikin (Host of TVO's The Agenda)

AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY

Rebanks Family Fellowship Quartet

Celebrate Beethoven’s iconic last symphony with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Larry Weinstein, Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Gustavo Gimeno, and Canadian journalist and author Steve Paikin, along with thrilling performances by the Rebanks Family Fellowship Quartet.  

The film follows nine unique individuals, including Ukrainian musicians, a deaf composer, a Polish rock star, a best-selling author, a legendary cartoonist, and Weinstein himself, as they try to better understand the legacy of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the composer’s own struggles, the inspiration music can provide, and how humanity continues to look for hope even in the darkest times.

Oscar nominated writer and director Larry Weinstein is one of Canada's most prolific and accomplished documentary filmmakers who has been honoured with retrospectives around the world and broadcasts in more than 40 countries. The majority of his 30 award-winning films centre on music and the creative process while his other subjects range from the horrors of war to the pleasures of football.

Gustavo Gimeno is Music Director of Toronto Symphony Orchestra – a title he has held since season 2020/21 and extended through the 2029/20 season. He is also Music Director Designate of Teatro Real where he will assume his role in season 2025/26. He is much sought-after as a symphonic guest conductor worldwide: 2024/25 appearances include Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Münchner Philharmoniker.

A veteran broadcaster, Steve Paikin is the anchor of “The Agenda,” TVO’s flagship current affairs program. A trusted voice, he has moderated leaders’ debates, produced documentary films, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario. Chancellor of Laurentian University, he is also the author of several books, notably on national and provincial politics.