Recognizing that no one deserves a celebration more than Beethoven, the MSU College of Music will stream a 2016 concert honoring the legendary composer and his ever-present impact on the music world. The rebroadcast of “Beethoven!” features dramatic performances of early and popular works, presented free to the public Monday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. on the MSU College of Music Livestream Channel.

The concert video presentation is among the signature events of the Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series 2020–2021 season that includes outstanding artist-faculty performances of chamber music from influential and timeless composers. Originally performed in the MSU Fairchild Theatre, the program begins with one of Beethoven’s early works, Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3. Well-known pianist and member of the Juilliard School faculty, Rohan De Silva, joins College of Music artists for this first piece. He performs regularly with violin superstars Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, and Midori, and has performed for President Barack Obama, The Tonight Show, and Carnegie Hall audiences. 

The second half of the concert features Beethoven’s Septet in E-flat major, Op. 20. This chamber piece gained immense popularity, much to Beethoven’s disapproval. The Septet was dedicated to Empress Maria Theresia, wife of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, and was written almost tongue-in-cheek in the peppy, popular style of the late 18th century.

Performers for the concert include Dmitri Berlinsky, violin; Suren Bagratuni, cello; Jack Budrow, double bass; guest artist Rohan De Silva, piano; Yuri Gandelsman, viola; Michael Kroth, bassoon; Corbin Wagner, horn; and Guy Yehuda, clarinet. Dr. Marcie Ray is the concert guide.

The West Circle Series is generously sponsored by Joanne and Bill Church. This rebroadcast concert is generously sponsored by Mike and Midge Morrow and the Stanley and Selma Hollander Endowment for Chamber Music.

For more information, visit the event page “Celebrating Ludwig van Beethoven—250 Years.”