The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Australia’s oldest orchestra, is bringing Beethoven’s music to life with The Beethoven Festival: The Piano Concertos.
Running over four nights, each performance will feature one of Beethoven’s famous piano concertos.
The MSO will also play pieces from other composers dating pre and post Beethoven’s era as well as his contemporaries. Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No.1, a modern piece in classical music terms, was performed on the opening evening of the series with noticeable contemporary features adding diversity to the program. Although interestingly Schoenberg is said to be inspired by the classical form and there are some concessions to this.
If you are interested to learn more there are pre-concert and interval talks and a very informative free program. There are also events at Melbourne Town Hall and the NGV during the festival.
The stand out is award-winning virtuoso Peter Lewis on the piano who will be performing the series over four nights, a great feat given the technicalities of the compositions. The program on the night I attended starts with Piano Concerto No.1, composed in 1795. Each night will be different, but I am sure equally impressive, highlighting the variety in Beethoven’s composing periods and uniqueness of each concerto; with other works providing perspective to Beethoven’s music. My preference however, would be for a uniquely Beethoven program, given that it is the Beethoven festival. I would also like to see some dialogue with the audience, particularly in giving an introduction to the conductor and pianist.
If you have not yet been to an MSO concert, now is your opportunity to hear this renowned orchestra as well as an international star performer and guest conductor. Held in the Hamer Hall, an iconic Melbourne venue with the necessary acoustics for a concert of this calibre, the Beethoven Festival is a classical music experience not to be missed.
– Rachel
Celebrating 4 years living in Melbourne, Rachel is a fan of theatre, food, the outdoors and all things new and exciting.
The Beethoven Festival continues on 10, 14 and 17 September at the Hamer Hall. Book online.
The venue is accessible.
