Congratulations! The Ninth may be the greatest symphony ever, but it's also a challenging work to grasp. Still, you'll know after each of the four movements that you have heard a gigantic work of exceptional experience.
Any Beethoven work, especially with an odd-numbered symphony (I can do more detail if you want), will be well worth hearing and seeing.
Thank you, it was spectacular. The sound was wonderful, the venue was pristine. I was amazed at the timing and how well the musicians were all in synch. It really was impressive watching world class musicians playing this powerful symphony. The 150 person choir made a huge impact in the 4th movement. The 4 vocal soloist in front were amazing also. I did notice one male vocalist, while sitting, he would close his eyes and had a slight smile on his face, probably grinning from the sound coming from all around him. I didn't know a human's voice could project such depth of highs and lows, and with such volume!
This was my first professional symphony, and I enjoyed it a lot. There is another symphony of Beethoven's fifth in a few months, I will be there. I am also curious about your mention of odd numbered symphonies by Beethoven.