Beethoven Happening

Following the successful composer happenings of recent years, we are now devoting a whole day to Ludwig von Beethoven. As a first, we shall be presenting the initial results of the new Choral Academy, soon to be set up by deFilharmonie, Koor&Stem and deSingel. Its intention is to give the best amateur singers in Flanders the opportunity to make music in a chorus conducted by Philippe Herreweghe. At this Beethoven happening the Choral Academy will be heard in several of Beethoven's magnificent choral works. This choral section, which also includes a new composition by Luc Van Hove is only the introduction to a well-filled day which throws light on Beethoven as a composer of both large-scale symphonic structures and highly-refined chamber music. The Antwerp Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, together with the Narziss und Goldmund Piano Trio, start off the afternoon programme with the 'Triple Concerto', a work which combines the rich harmony of early Romanticism with the delicate precision of the baroque concerto grosso. The Leipziger Streichquartett guides you through the progressive complexity of Beethoven's late quartets: Opus 127 and Opus 135, which reach the absolute peak of chamber music writing. The pianist Ronald Brautigam returns to an early sonata and, as Michael Volle's Lieder accompanist, combines it with the captivating cycle 'An die Ferne Geliebte'. A sunny and untroubled Beethoven is to be heard in the 'Septet for wind and strings', played by soloists from deFilharmonie brought together for the occasion. To round off the afternoon, Pieter Wispelwey and Dejan Lazic perform more intimate chamber music. The day is brought to a close by Philippe Herreweghe, Collegium Vocale and deFilharmonie in the very pinnacle of early Romantic choral music, the 'Missa Solemnis', a work that links symphonic complexity and contrapuntal virtuosity to a constant struggle with questions of faith and existence. To which a human and reassuring answer is given at the very end of the 'Agnus Dei'. The Universiteit Vrije Tijd Davidsfonds is organising a course on Beethoven given by Kamiel Cooremans . from Wednesday 26 January 2005 Enquiries +32 (0)16 310 670