Ludwig van Beethoven is celebrating a rather special birthday this Friday, or rather the musically-enriched world that he left behind will be celebrating on his behalf. On December 17, 2021, LVB will be turning a very distinguished 250 years old. To mark the occasion, Symphony New Brunswick presents Camerata NB in concert with “My Dear Ludwig”, an evening (or three) of all-Beethoven programming.
The evening’s selection of music includes a pair of perennial favourites: Beethoven’s violin concerto and his fourth symphony. “My Dear Ludwig” will also feature internationally acclaimed violinist Martin Beaver, who is one of Canada’s most sought-after chamber musicians and led the world-famous Tokyo String Quartet for over ten years.
“‘My Dear Ludwig’ finally allows us to honour Beethoven’s 250th birthday, a celebration that the pandemic has disrupted worldwide. But nothing stops Beethoven for long!” says Music Director Mélanie Léonard who officially joined SNB as Music Director in July. “I look forward to sharing the stage with violin virtuoso Martin Beaver for this special occasion.”
“My Dear Ludwig” is being performed as the third concert tour of Symphony New Brunswick’s 2021-2022 season. Despite the current barrage of complications, and with all safety measures kept in mind, not only is the performance able to take place for a live audience—albeit a reduced one—it will also be committed to posterity as part of an upcoming documentary.
“We’re thrilled to announce that this performance will be filmed by Zone 3 Productions for a documentary entitled ‘Femmes Symphoniques’,” says Reid Parker, president of Symphony New Brunswick. “The documentary will feature three female Canadian conductors, and it’s high praise for Symphony New Brunswick that our newly appointed Music Director, Mélanie Léonard, is being recognized in this way. Add in the charismatic Martin Beaver and the excellence of Camerata NB, and the audiences for ‘My Dear Ludwig’ are in for a special treat this holiday season!”
“My Dear Ludwig” will be presented in Fredericton on Saturday, Dec. 18th (7:30 pm at The Playhouse); Saint John on Monday, Dec. 20th (7:30 pm at Imperial Theatre); and in Moncton on Tuesday, Dec. 21st (7:30 pm at Capitol Theatre).
The performances will follow current COVID-19 safety guidelines. Admission will be limited to 50% of seating capacity along with the required physical distancing. In addition, to ensure the health and safety of audiences, technical crew and performers, there will be no intermission. All audience members 12 and older must present proof of vaccination and photo ID. Audience members must be masked at all times inside the performance venues.