The International Beethoven Project

Today, December 16th, marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 239th birthday. It is for us all a day of celebration, and is an opportunity for us to wish all of you wonderful holidays as well. During these next weeks, which are a little slower for most, perhaps you might consider taking the time to listen to some Beethoven? How about some string quartets? Piano sonatas? Or even some symphonies which perhaps you have not listened to in a long time? If you love opera, Beethoven’s Fidelio is a masterpiece in the genre, and a private, home listening experience can always be very rewarding and revelatory.  When at the opera, one’s focus is on the stage and the story; at home, however, one can really listen to the music… Of course, Beethoven always makes a great gift, and we encourage you to support the classical music industry this holiday season! Our first CD will not come out until the Spring time, so wait on buying piano trios until then.

Much is going to be taking place for the IBP in 2010.  Please follow us, check the schedule regularly and come out for concerts, lectures, master classes, and more!

If you live outside of Chicago and feel left out, perhaps you would consider starting a chapter of the IBP in your community? This can lead to many wonderful events in your area, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss these possibilities.

New York City! We are coming to you in 2010.  The Beethoven Project Trio is making its debut May 18th, at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. It is going to be an amazing concert and event, so get the word out and make sure you let us know you are out there so we can let you know when the box office opens in advance. The trio will perform the East Coast premiere of the Beethoven trios they recently recorded for Cedille Records (the CD will come out shortly before the concert). Anybody interested in being part of the new and growing chapter of the IBP in New York, to help plan events and garner support, is very welcome.  Please contact us!

Thank you all for your support this year, and for helping to make our big dreams possible. We are thrilled, as the year closes out, that several articles in print and online have appeared around the world picking the March 1st, 2009 Beethoven World Premiere concert in Chicago’s Murphy Auditorium as a highlight of musical events in 2009, including John von Rhein’s 2009 highlights in the Chicago Tribune last week.

May 2009 close out peacefully and may 2010 be a great year for all.