Summer of Beethoven

H+H'S 9-WEEK CELEBRATION OF BEETHOVEN'S 250TH BIRTHDAY

For nine glorious weeks starting July 4, H+H celebrates the genius of Beethoven with an online festival of symphonies, concertos, choral works and chamber music – all performed with H+H’s signature freshness, authenticity, and unmatched virtuosity. This digital Festival is completely free, and new recordings will be released from now through the end of August.


SYMPHONIES AND CONCERTOS

Relish Beethoven's masterworks as we premiere classic audio recordings of all nine Beethoven symphonies and a pair of beloved piano concertos, recorded live in concert.

These audio recordings have been removed after sharing online for a period, in accordance with recording agreements.


LIVESTREAM FROM KENNEBUNKPORT

On July 19 at 5pm, join H+H Associate Conductor Ian Watson and Assistant Concertmaster Susanna Ogata as they livestream from the spectacular oceanside St. Ann's Church in Kennebunkport. They will perform Beethoven's Sonata in A Minor for Fortepiano and Violin, as well as two violin sonatas by Mozart.

Beethoven: Sonata for Violin and Fortepiano in A Minor
Featuring Susanna Ogata, violin, and Ian Watson, fortepiano

Mozart: Sonata for Violin and Fortepiano in E-Flat Major
Featuring Susanna Ogata, violin, and Ian Watson, fortepiano


BEETHOVEN FROM HOME

On July 12, Guy Fishman, principal cellist, Susanna Ogata, Assistant Concertmaster, and Renee Hemsing, viola, bring you a virtual performance of the first movement of Beethoven String Trio in G Major.

And on August 2, Adriane Post, violin, and Paul Dwyer, cello, perform Beethoven's Duet for Violin and Cello in C Major, from their living room in Chicago.

"Adagio - Allegro con brio" from Beethoven's String Trio in G Major, Op. 9, No. 1
Featuring Susanna Ogata, H+H Assistant Concertmaster; Guy Fishman, H+H Principal Cellist, and Renee Hemsing, viola

"Allegro Comodo" from Beethoven's Duet in C Major
Featuring Adriane Post, violin, and Paul Dwyer, cello


CHORAL BEETHOVEN, VIRTUALLY

No H+H festival is complete without our renowned chorus. On August 9, we premiere a virtual performance by the H+H Chorus of "Hallelujah" from Beethoven's "Christ on the Mount of Olives," which was the first work by Beethoven ever performed by H+H, in 1820.

”Hallelujah Chorus” from Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives

Featuring:
H+H Chorus
Ian Watson, organ

Text:
Hallelujah! to the Father and the Son of God!
Praise the Lord, ye everlasting choir,
in holy songs of joy!
Worlds unborn shall sing his glory
the exalted Son of God!

This program is made possible in part by the generous support of Carolyn and Dana Pope.


EXPLORE THE INSIDE STORY


200 Years of Beethoven

From Boston to Rome and back again – 200 years of history told through the story of the iconic Beethoven statue. Did you know that H+H was the only US orchestra to commission a piece from Beethoven himself? In the first part of our Beethoven history series, we'll take you behind the performances to discover fascinating glimpses of Beethoven and H+H, through the centuries.


HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

On September 16, students in the H+H Youth Choruses will join forces and share their team-sourcing of video responses to Beethoven's immortal "Ode to Joy."


The Period Instrument Difference

On August 30, watch Aisslinn Nosky, Concertmaster and Todd Williams, principal horn demonstrate how period instruments challenge musicians when they perform Beethoven and why that makes the performances more exhilarating.

PART 1
PART 2

ONE-WEEK ALL-BEETHOVEN TAKEOVER OF RADIO H+H

Enjoy the grand finale to our Summer of Beethoven: a one-week, 24/7, wall-to-wall Beethoven takeover of our internet radio station, Radio H+H. Enjoy Beethoven's genius 24 hours a day nonstop, from full-orchestra spectaculars to chamber music, absolutely free. Midnight Aug. 31 – Midnight September 7 only.

Violinist Lena Wong smiling

Feel inspired?

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