Beethoven at 250: Symphonies Nos. 1& 3
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F Street NW, District of Columbia 20566
The Creatures of Prometheus—Overture
Symphony No. 1
Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
“Let your deafness no longer be a secret—even in art!”
—Beethoven’s notes in the sketches of Opus 59 string quartet, 1806
Our tribute begins with an exciting concert featuring Beethoven’s Third Symphony, “Eroica,” a major turning point in musical history. The work illustrates the composer’s own spiritual quest towards heroism as he coped with deafness and found new triumph in his art and life. Also on the program is Beethoven’s First Symphony and his Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, a popular ballet inspired by another hero whose suffering ultimately helped mankind, the rebellious Greek Titan who stole fire from the Gods to give to mortals.
Beethoven at 250
In honor of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Gianandrea Noseda leads the Orchestra in a three-week festival of concerts celebrating the composer’s remarkable genius and impact on music. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear all nine of his symphonies—music that resounds as loudly today as it did two centuries ago. All five programs will be recorded for future release.
