Since it opened in 1911 the Strand Theatre has hosted performances by prestigious musical groups from the big bands of Glenn Miller and Count Basie to a touring orchestra from Vienna. But this weekend the former movie palace can chalk up another first – a performance of one of the world’s very most famous symphonies on period (historically accurate) instruments. Think a harpsichord instead of a piano, sheep’s gut instead of steel for the strings.

On Sun., Nov. 10 at 2p.m., Boston Baroque, the three-time Grammy-nominated orchestra will mark its 40th anniversary by presenting a free concert of Beethoven’s Ninth featuring “Ode to Joy,” a composition that many classical music experts rate as the greatest piece of music ever written.

The concert, sponsored and hosted by Mayor Menino and the City of Boston’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events is also made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Free for All Concert Fund.

One of the most frequently performed classical pieces worldwide, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 is the final complete symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven. It is also the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony. The lyrics are adapted from the famous Friedrich Schiller poem, known in English as “Ode to Joy.” The memorable melody has been used for countless hymns as well as the anthem of the European Union.

Schiller’s words are sung during the fourth and final movement by four vocal soloists and a chorus. Entrusted with the singing will be internationally renowned opera stars like soprano Leah Partridge, mezzo-soprano Ann McMahon Quintero, tenor William Burden and bass Kevin Deas, the featured soloists alongside the Boston Baroque’s Chorus.

The first and the oldest continuing period instrument orchestra in North America, Boston Baroque was founded in 1973 by the American harpsichordist and conductor Martin Pearlman “to present concerts of the Baroque and classical repertoire on period instruments, drawing on the insights of the historical performance movement.”

Boston Baroque’s Executive Director, Miguel Rodriguez noted that he had been working on audience development with local stalwarts like Uphams Corner Main Streets, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and the Dorchester Arts Collaborative.

Rodriguez told the Reporter that Sunday’s performance will be more relaxed and informal than the performances of basically the same program earlier in the week.

“The musicians will be leaving their tails and white ties at home and wear more casual black clothing. The program book will contain explanatory notes about Beethoven’s composition process and period instruments. Marty [Pearlman] will give some further background information before the performance, and audience members can chat with some musicians after the conclusion of the concert.”

Pearlman has said, “Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is the perfect vehicle to give back to the community, and we are committed to making this an annual event,”

Depending on the reception of Sunday’s concert and other factors, Boston Baroque may be back at the Strand in 2014, but they’re also exploring options like doing Handel’s “Messiah” at Mission Church in Roxbury.

To reserve free tickets for Sunday’s show, call 617-635-1403.