DSO Kicks Off 'Free Neighborhood Music' Festival
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -- For the first time in 36 years, the sounds of classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven will flood metro Detroit in January.
Five free recitals programmed by Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians are coming to town in preparation for February's DSO Beethoven Festival. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
"Perhaps the greatest mountains to be climbed by any conductor and orchestra are the nine symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven," DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin said in a press release. "Each work shows the composer in a different light, ranging from Mozartian elegance to Wagnerian drama. Much the same can be said for the piano sonatas as well as his chamber music. It seemed the right time for all of us at the DSO to immerse ourselves in this remarkable world, and in turn, bring our audiences along for the journey."
The recitals, which are part of the DSO's Neighborhood Residency Initiative, will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the Bloomfield Township Public Library in Bloomfield Hills; followed by a 7 p.m. performance Tuesday Jan. 22 at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton; 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal in Sterling Heights; 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor; and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Steinway Gallery in Commerce Township.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Get ticket information HERE.
It all leads up to the Beethoven Festival Feb. 6-24 at the DSO, which promises to "immerse metro Detroit audiences in works that span Beethoven's entire genre-altering career." Events include performances of all nine symphonies, a keyboard conversation with renowned pianist Jeffrey Siegel, a marathon performance of all 32 piano sonatas, and pre-concert chamber music and lectures.
The Piano Sonata Marathon will be performed by 33 young artists, representing a variety of educational institutions: Bowling Green State University, Central Michigan University, Interlochen, Michigan State University, Oakland University, Pioneer High School, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.
