International Arts Carnival 2024: The Other Side of Beethoven

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Everyone knows Beethoven – he is the famous composer who became deaf but still wrote amazing masterpieces. But is that really all there is to the life of one of the most influential figures in classical music?

Acclaimed conductor, music educator, host and professional counsellor Jason Lai is here to shed light on the other side of the composer’s seemingly triumphant story: in a letter to his brothers, Beethoven expressed his deep despair and disillusionment over life as his hearing and general wellbeing deteriorated. How did he cope with his mental health battles and leave behind his timeless legacy? Join us and delve into the fascinating link between Beethoven’s troubled life and his brilliant creations.

Programme includes Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 3 and excerpts from his Symphonies Nos 3, 5, 6 & 9 and other piano concertos.

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Conductor/Presenter: Jason Lai (HKS Artist Associate 2009-2011)
Piano: Colleen Lee (HKS Artist Associate 2010-2011)

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

One of Hong Kong’s flagship orchestras, Hong Kong Sinfonietta has brought music closer to the community, and achieved significant local and international recognition for its passionate performances and innovative programming. The orchestra has collaborated with an illustrious array of international musicians and groups, including in recent years Ilya Gringolts, Martin Helmchen, Sergei Nakariakov, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Krzysztof Penderecki, The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch.

Hong Kong Sinfonietta is a regular guest at international arts festivals and has toured 46 cities around the world. As an avid believer of keeping music alive and contemporary, the orchestra commissions and performs new works every year and ventures into new initiatives, recently receiving wide acclaim for its Back On Stage concert film series and becoming the first local orchestra to appear in cinemas. Following the success of the first edition in 2018, the orchestra organised the 2nd Hong Kong International Conducting Competition in 2023, attracting applications from 45 countries/regions around the world and providing an invaluable platform for young conductors to establish their careers.