Beethoven 250: String Quartets and more

Celebrate the 250th birthday of Beethoven with Ensemble 360

Next year marks the 250th birthday of Beethoven, and celebrations for one of classical music’s greatest composers are being planned around the world.

Music in the Round’s contribution to the festivities includes presenting all 16 of Beethoven’s string quartets, alongside many of his other chamber works. The series of concerts launches in autumn 2019 with this evening dedicated to his acclaimed quartets, and will continue in Sheffield and around the country throughout 2020 and into spring 2021.

Beethoven wrote string quartets throughout most of his life, beginning with the Op.18s in his late twenties, and ending with the monumental late quartets written in the last years of his life when he was deaf.

Featuring pieces from Beethoven’s ‘early’, ‘middle’ and ‘late’ periods, this programme offers a fascinating journey into how the composer’s work developed, from the early inspiration of Haydn to the unique voice of the later quartets that still resonates so powerfully today.

“To undertake this concert cycle is to embark upon an extraordinary journey, not only into music of exceptional depth and beauty, but also into the soul of Beethoven, whose music speaks more directly and honestly from him than words can express.

“We approach this cycle with excitement, anticipation and awe, and invite you to do the same.” Benjamin Nabarro, violin, Ensemble 360

Programme

• BEETHOVEN: Quartet in F Op.18 No.1
• BEETHOVEN: Quartet in C Op.59 No.3 Razumovsky
• BEETHOVEN: Quartet in B flat Op.130