Honolulu – The Honolulu Symphony today announced that tickets for the inaugural Hawaii Beethoven Festival are now on sale to the general public at the Symphony Box Office (808) 792-2000, Macy’s, Times supermarkets and www.ticketmaster.com. The Festival takes place over the course of two weeks in March and April 2009. The Festival is a thought provoking and entertaining series of four unique concert programs led by principal conductor Andreas Delfs. Each Festival concert program will be performed only once. A first for the Symphony and Hawaii, the Festival promises to be a noteworthy tourist attraction and an educational opportunity for people of all ages and musical tastes. Ticket prices are $20, $34, $49, $59, $82 (including service fees).
 
“No composer personifies the glory of symphonic music more than Ludwig van Beethoven,” said Andreas Delfs, principal conductor, Honolulu Symphony. “Nothing will energize you more than our substantial Hawaii Beethoven Festival.”
 
The Festival will welcome three world-renowned guest artists in their Honolulu Symphony debuts: pianist John O’Conor, violinist Robert McDuffie and cellist Yehuda Hanani. Violinist Ignace Jang completes this line-up of exceptional Festival guest artists. Together with the musicians of the Symphony, they will perform such Beethoven masterpieces as the “Eroica” and “Pastoral” Symphonies, and the riveting Violin Concerto, dazzling Triple Concerto, and revolutionary Fifth Symphony. 
 
“The Festival is a rare chance to experience several Beethoven masterpieces performed live and within a short time span, making it easier for audience members to compare works while learning about the composer’s lifetime, social and political influences, and style,” said Tom Gulick, executive director, Honolulu Symphony. “Beethoven’s influence on world cultures is undeniable. We especially encourage parents and grandparents to share this music with younger generations and discuss their thoughts and reactions to the music together.”
 
Visit www.honolulusymphony.com for more information and to download a brochure.

2009 HAWAII BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL:
 

THE EROICA SYMPHONY

Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8 p.m. 
Andreas Delfs, conductor
John O’Conor, piano
Program: 
Leonore Overture No. 3
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat “Eroica”
Generously sponsored by Commercial Data Systems.
 
Escape into the endless pleasures of Beethoven’s Third Symphony, “Eroica.” The Third swept away conventional ideas of what a symphony should be – and led us all into revolutionary musical territory. Acclaimed Irish pianist John O’Conor performs the groundbreaking and passionate Third Piano Concerto: Beethoven’s only piano concerto written in a minor key. This is Beethoven’s genius in its purest form.
 

THE VIOLIN CONCERTO

Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 4 p.m.
Andreas Delfs, conductor
Robert McDuffie, violin
Program: 
Overture to Fidelio
Violin Concerto in D
Symphony No. 7 in A
 
Praised for his brilliant technique and “ever-sweet tone,” violinist Robert McDuffie performs Beethoven’s phenomenal Violin Concerto. A masterpiece of craft, invention and sensitivity, the Violin Concerto is an enthralling experience. The inspirational Seventh Symphony completes the first week of our magnificent Beethoven Festival. Abounding with irrepressible spirit and vigor, the Seventh is a thrill for musicians and music lovers alike.
 

BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH SYMPHONY

Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 8 p.m.
Andreas Delfs, conductor
John O’Conor, piano
Ignace Jang, violin
Yehuda Hanani, cello
Program:
Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus
Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C “Triple”
Symphony No. 5 in C minor

Greeted as a revelation, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony will set your pulse racing. Its opening motif introduces a masterpiece that surpasses musical perfection. Then savor the eloquent joys of music-making as three great artists combine forces in performance of the dazzling Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano. Don’t miss this thrilling evening of legendary music!
 

THE PASTORAL SYMPHONY

Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 4 p.m.
Andreas Delfs, conductor
John O’Conor, piano
Program:
Coriolan Overture
Symphony No. 6 in F “Pastoral”
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat “Emperor”
Generously sponsored by Commercial Data Systems.
 
John O’Conor returns in performance of the delicate yet impassioned Fifth Piano Concerto, “Emperor.” One of music’s most popular masterworks, the “Emperor” Concerto is a spectacular triumph. Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony is a sweepingly romantic masterpiece brimming with splendid moments. One of only a handful of works that Beethoven named, he christened it the “Pastoral Symphony” or “Recollections of Country Life.” The Sixth not only expresses the beauty of the natural world, but shares a tranquil vision of a day away from it all.