Stars unite with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Dorset and Bristol as it continues its two-year celebration of Beethoven: ‘Road to Joy’.
Actor Samuel West, musician Dame Evelyn Glennie, author John Suchet and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby joined BSO musicians and Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth for the first of three immersive weekends celebrating the composer.
Beyond this week’s symphonic performances [Poole – 4 Nov; Bristol – 5 Nov], the two-year musical marathon continues in March, with Beethoven’s mighty Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’ and Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II in Poole and Bristol.
The BSO also recognises another composer anniversary in December: Benjamin Britten’s music features in Poole and Exeter.
A host of stars travelled to Canford School, Dorset and Bristol Beacon this weekend as the BSO commenced its two-year landmark celebration of Beethoven – part of worldwide celebrations marking the bicentenary of the composer’s death, in 2027.
Actor Samuel West, musician Dame Evelyn Glennie, author John Suchet and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby – together with a quartet of BSO musicians – took part in the speech-led events at Canford School [31 Oct] and Bristol Beacon [1 Nov].
The BSO’s Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesorth featured, alongside broadcasters Tom Service in Bristol and Sarah Walker in Wimborne.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s milestone series ‘Road to Joy’ sees the Orchestra play all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies over the next two years; as well as producing three in-depth weekends of discovery. Each one of the in-depth weekends – Beethoven Now – welcomes a new line up of key names and delves ever deeper into Beethoven’s character and legacy.
This week, the Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Second Symphony – at Lighthouse, Poole [4 Nov] and Bristol Beacon [5 Nov]. The next leg of the musical homage continues in March when Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth conducts Beethoven’s mighty Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’, and Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II [17 Mar – Poole; 18 Mar – Bristol]. The cantata – written when the composer was 19 – was not premiered until 57 years after he died.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Executive Officer, Dougie Scarfe OBE DL, said: “We’re thrilled to have set off on our ‘Road to Joy’; a musical marathon unpacking Beethoven’s unique legacy. What better way to continue the journey than by welcoming a line-up of stars and experts to the South West, to help us to understand Beethoven even further?
Stay tuned for our next immersive events, which explore the musical and revolutionary sides of the endlessly intriguing composer. This December we’ll also mark 50 years since the death of Benjamin Britten – one of our greatest British composers – and we’d love for you to join us to celebrate his music in Poole and Exeter.”
In December, the Orchestra pays musical tribute to another musical superstar: British composer Benjamin Britten, as the world reflects on his life. Mark Wigglesworth conducts Sinfonia da Requiem in a programme that includes Mahler’s Symphony No.4 with soprano Alexandra Lowe [2 Dec – Poole; 3 Dec – Exeter]. The Orchestra’s performance with Andrew Manze and Yeol Eum Son [25 Nov – Poole] also includes music by Britten.
The Orchestra’s Beethoven ‘Road to Joy’ continues at Lighthouse, Poole [4 Nov, 17 Mar] and Bristol Beacon [5 Nov, 18 Mar]. The BSO performs music by Britten at Lighthouse, Poole [25 Nov, 2 Dec] and University of Exeter [3 Dec]. For full What’s On, see bsolive.com
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