Beethovenfest: A Three-Day Extravaganza!

According to ArtSpring board member and classical music aficionado George Ehring, Beethoven’s violin sonatas are “hallmarks of the repertoire and great examples of Beethoven’s maturing art.” George has taught the well-loved Meaning in Music course at ArtSpring over the years, which focuses on classical music appreciation. If anyone knows great classical music, it’s George.

Over three consecutive days – February 6th, 7th, & 8th – you will have the rare opportunity to experience the complete Beethoven violin sonatas performed by two terrific performers who are friends of ArtSpring and faculty of our annual Chamber Music Festival.

Award-winning musicians and husband and wife duo, violinist Kai Gleusteen and pianist Catherine Ordronneau, will immerse attendees in Beethoven’s exquisite music. The first concert on February 6th at 7:30 p.m. features Beethoven violin sonatas 1, 4, and 7. During the following evening’s concert on February 7th at 7:30 p.m. hear sonatas 3, 6, 9 (Kreutzer Sonata). On February 8th at 2:30 p.m. listen to sonatas 2, 5 (Spring Sonata), 8, and 10.

For people new to Beethoven, this is also a great chance to hear his small-scale and very approachable music. Kai, concertmaster of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Orchestra in Barcelona, is a very interesting speaker and will introduce each of the sonatas. This will be helpful to anyone who is new to Beethoven’s music and certainly interesting to those familiar with the music.

The weekend is a three-day feast for the senses with music, delicacies and visual art! On opening night at 6:30 p.m. enjoy Salt Spring Vineyards wine and Salt Spring Island cheeses. Continue the celebration on Feb 7th with a wine bar and on Feb 8th for a Viennese Kaffeehaus with tea and decadent desserts.

Bring a friend, a date, a family member, or come solo, and spend one, two, even three fine evenings with us!

For tickets call the ArtSpring Box Office at 537-2102 or visit www.tickets.artspring.ca. Adults: $25 per concert or $56 for all three; Youth: $5 per concert. (For the three-concert package, please call the Box Office.)