RIT Philharmonic Orchestra launches Beethoven concert series

The RIT Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Professor Michael Ruhling, is offering a series of four free performances Wednesday afternoons this semester, exploring the music of Ludwig van Beethoven.

“COVID restrictions limited performing options in 2020, which was the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven, one of history’s most influential artists, so we are having a late celebration,” Ruhling said.

Each performance (except on March 2) will be preceded at 5:10 p.m. by a brief talk with the aid of students in the Beethoven’s World and Music course Ruhling is teaching.

Dates and locations for the concerts are:

• 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Allen Chapel, Schmitt Interfaith Center: Music from Beethoven’s predecessors, including works from Haydn and Mozart.
• 5:15 p.m. March 2, Al Davis Room (SAU cafeteria): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral.” (There will be no pre-concert presentation.)
• 5:30 p.m. March 30, Allen Chapel, Schmitt Interfaith Center: Beethoven’s Overture and Incidental Music to Goethe’s “Egmont,” featuring faculty members Amy Cochrane, soprano, and Andy Head.
• 5:30 p.m. April 20, Allen Chapel, Schmitt Interfaith Center: Vienna, 1822. Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony No. 8, Beethoven’s “Consecration of the House” Overture.