In December 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven entered the world, going on to write some of the most celebrated classical music compositions known to man.
Now, 250 years later, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the legendary composer’s overarching impact on music history with a year-long series of shows called BTHVN2020.
Slated to take place at the Hilbert Circle Theatre throughout 2020, BTHVN2020 will feature the ISO performing all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies throughout the calendar year. With the BTHVN2020 shows, the ISO will honor Beethoven’s legacy and reflect on the present.
“We decided to use this celebration of Beethoven’s groundbreaking work and lasting legacy as an opportunity to highlight contemporary composers,” says Kristin Cutler, Director of Communications with the ISO. “For each Beethoven symphony we perform, the ISO has commissioned a new work from a current composer. Each commissioned work draws inspiration from one of Beethoven’s symphonies, tying hundreds of years of music-making together in a single experience.”
Additionally, the ISO partnered with the University of Indianapolis' Department of Art & Design to kick off the Beethoven 2020 Celebration with a unique art installation: a 12-foot x 12-foot plywood cutout of Beethoven's head. The art piece will reside in the Hilbert Circle Theatre lobby for the remainder of 2020.
Below, find event listings for upcoming BTHVN2020 shows. (Note: The ISO will perform all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies throughout the calendar year, but the dates for fall performances will be announced with the 2020-21 schedule in the spring.)
BTHVN2020: BEETHOVEN'S THIRD SYMPHONY & TRIPLE CONCERTO
Friday, January 17 (8 pm) and Saturday, January 18 (5:30 pm)
Krzysztof Urbanski (Conductor), Benjamin Schmid (Violin), Austin Huntington (ISO Principal Cello), Dejan Lazic (Piano)
BTHVN2020: BEETHOVEN'S FOURTH & FIFTH SYMPHONIES
Friday, January 24 (8 pm) and Saturday, January 25 (5:30 pm)
Krzysztof Urbanski (Conductor)
BTHVN2020: FIVE BEETHOVEN CONCERTOS. TWO PIANISTS. ONE WEEKEND.
Thursday, May 28 (11 am), Friday, May 29 (8 pm), Saturday, May 30 (5:30 pm), and Sunday, May 31 (3 pm)
Krzysztof Urbanski (Conductor), Emanuel Ax (Piano), Yefim Bronfman (Piano)
BTHVN2020: BEETHOVEN'S MISSA SOLEMNIS
Friday, June 5 (8 pm) and Saturday, June 6 (5:30 pm)
Krzysztof Urbanski (Conductor), Sumi Hwang (Soprano), Kelley O’Connor (Mezzo-Soprano), John Tessie (Tenor), Peixin Chen (Bass), Eric Stark (Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Artistic Director), Indianapolis Symphonic Choir