Beethovenfest
| Beethovenfest | |
|---|---|
The Beethovenhalle where most concerts take place
|
|
| Genre | mostly music by Beethoven |
| Frequency | annual |
| Location(s) | Bonn and the region |
| Inaugurated | 1845 |
| People | Nike Wagner |
| Website | |
| www |
|
The Beethovenfest (Beethoven Festival) is a festival of classical music in Bonn, Germany, dedicated mostly to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven who was born there. It dates back to 1845, when the composer's 75th anniversary of birth was celebrated with unveiling his monument and performing major works.
First held irregularly, it is now an annual event, presenting around 70 concerts of international orchestras, ensembles and soloists in more than 20 venues in the town and the region.
The Beethovenfest was first held in 1845, when a festival of three days celebrated the 75th anniversary of the composer's birth. The Beethoven monument was unveiled on 12 August 1845 as part of the festivities, which were attended by the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV, the British Queen Victoria, Alexander von Humboldt, and Hector Berlioz. Among the conductors then were Franz Liszt and Louis Spohr, who conducted the Missa solemnis and the Ninth Symphony. In 1894, all nine symphonies were performed for the first time.
From 1931 the festival was held annually, soon taken over by the Nazis. After World War II, the town took responsibility for the festival. From 1947, it was held biennially, with chamber music performed the other years. The present Beethovenhalle, which followed two wooden structures of the same name, was opened in 1959 and made the festival one of the important international festivals. From 1974, the festival was held every third year, and music by Beethoven was contrasted with contemporary music.
From 1998, the town organized the festival, now annually, in collaboration with the broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The festival cooperates with the Beethoven Orchester Bonn, the Bonn Opera and the Beethoven-Haus.
...
Wikipedia