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Borealis Beat

A glimpse into the mind of our Artistic Director as she shares her knowledge and expertise on our music selections, the composers, artists, concerts, and more

Beethoven 250: We Join the World-wide Celebrations!

Welcome! This year, the musical world enthusiastically celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of the immortal Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), and Consortium Aurora Borealis is doing its part!

Beethoven’s legacy lives on, and his memory is eternal. As Artistic Director, I was most excited to join in the festivities, and had planned to do this with two special all-Beethoven live concerts, representing different aspects of his achievements.

We therefore engaged the Penderecki String Quartet as our distinguished guest ensemble to lead off on September 28, 2020, playing works from Beethoven’s early, middle, and late periods. Next, our own Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, directed by Resident Conductor Maria Fuller, was to appear for our official “Beethoven 250 Birthday Bash” on December 8, performing three works by the master, including two symphonies, with birthday cake for all to follow!

But alas, COVID-19 forced us to postpone these concerts to a future season. Happily, however, pianist Evgeny Chugunov was able to step in, brilliantly performing and recording a wonderful movement from a Beethoven piano sonata, which we are now delighted to share with you virtually through YouTube. It will be released auspiciously just in time for December 16, 2020, the actual date of Beethoven’s 250th birthday! We hope you will click on the link and enjoy it, with our very best wishes! Looking forward to the day when we can be back live with you again!

Warmly,
Elizabeth

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