Beethoven’s mighty Eroica Symphony returns to the stage under the direction of the dynamic and imaginative American conductor Carl St. Clair, music director of the Pacific Symphony in California. In size and breadth, the Eroica far surpassed anything of its kind previously written. In its rhythmic energy, harmonic language and emotional impact, this “modern music” was highly disturbing to more than one listener back in 1805 when it was first heard. Haydn’s elegant Oboe Concerto also makes a return appearance, this time with soloist Albrecht Mayer, principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic. The NSO’s composer in residence, Brett Dean, is also represented on this program with Short Stories.