The Santa Barbara Symphony celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday with Beethoven @ 250, a chamber music performance of some of the most beloved works by the composer as well as some newly created arrangements of Beethoven classics.
Continues the celebration of the orchestra’s return safely together, the concert will be recorded live on stage from the Music Academy of the West and delivered to audiences through the symphony’s digital streaming format, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov 22, and then available on-demand for 30 days for ticket holders.
The symphony’s presentation of Beethoven @ 250 will offer a new, personal take on the composer’s music and arrangements.
Through state-of-the-art audio recording and multi-camera work, the intimate performance will create an up-close-and-personal experience with symphony musicians, including concertmaster Jessica Guideri, principal trumpet Jon Lewis, clarinetist Juan Gallego, and principal cellist Trevor Handy.
These symphony all-stars will be joined by guest performers including:
Pianist Robert Koenig, chair of the UCSB Department of Music; and soprano Julia Metzler, an alumna of the Music Academy of the West, and an Opera Santa Barbara Chrisman Studio Artist for the 2019-20 season, during which she played Matilda Neruda in “Il Postino,” and Kate Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly.”
Audiences will experience musical chemistry as new adaptations of Beethoven’s music is presented in unaccompanied solos and together in duos, trios and quartets, in an intimate setting, hear Beethoven’s homage to Mozart, and enjoy personal reflections about Beethoven his music and legacy — in the context of our time.
Curated by the Symphony’s Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, the seven-concert 2020-21 season offers a beacon of hope during COVID, when so many arts organizations have had to go dark. Beethoven @ 250 will also showcase the Music Academy of the West to audiences tuning in from around the world.
“Now more than ever, this is the time for collaboration, and we believe that our arts community grows stronger, together,” Kabaretti. said “We are very honored to be welcomed to the stages at the Music Academy of the West, offering our viewers an intimate acoustic and visual experience.
“Our synergistic relationship with the Music Academy is special in many ways; we’re tremendously proud to have so many of our past and present symphony members that are alumni of the academy. Currently, we have 11 academy graduates on our roster.
“We’re so lucky to have such a treasure in the performing arts right here in Santa Barbara, and we’re thrilled to be able to perform safely on their stages during this reimagined season.”
To kick off the evening, guests are invited to tune in at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, or 2:30 p.m. Sunday for a pre-show featuring behind-the-scenes interviews.
The symphony has partnered again with DUO Catering which will offer a symphony-inspired dinner menu and Signature Symphony cocktail, available for delivery and takeout, for guests to enjoy that evening from home while enjoying the performance.
Virtual tickets to Beethoven @ 250 start at $43 per household with a series subscription and includes a one-time link that provides access to both the livestream and on-demand access for 30 days after the premiere broadcast. Click here for details and to purchase tickets.