COFFS Harbour City Orchestra will celebrate 250 years of Beethoven with an outdoor concert in the Regional Botanical Gardens on Sunday 22 November.

Born in 1770, German composer Ludwig van Beethoven remains one of the most recognised figures in classical music and is widely regarded as the greatest composer who ever lived, completely dominating a period of musical history.

The orchestra, led by conductor Tim Egan, comprises 45 musicians who range in age from fifteen to eighty-six.

Tim said, “This is our first performance since the pandemic restrictions began, and we are extremely excited to be able to perform for the public again.

“We are so grateful to the Seventh Day Adventist Church for allowing us to rehearse in their massive hall which gave us the space to accommodate the orchestra in a covidsafe compliant manner.”

The orchestra will be performing some of the composer’s best loved works, including his ninth (choral) symphony which is well known for the ‘Ode to Joy’ in the final movement, part of the sixth (pastoral) symphony, the second movement of the seventh, and the Egmont Overture.

There will also be surprise guest performers, including a soloist on an extremely unusual instrument, and excerpts from other composers and musicians in the program.

The concert is free, although donations would be welcomed.

Tim encourages people to bring a chair (some seating will be provided) or a picnic blanket and afternoon tea to enjoy along with the music.

Check the orchestra’s Facebook page for information if rain is likely on the day.

To sample a preview of the orchestra’s work, you see them on YouTube by searching Coffs Harbour City Orchestra Digital Concert Hall.

 

By David TUNE