Over the course of several seasons, Music Director, Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present The Beethoven Project, a traversal of all of the symphonies and concertos of Ludwig van Beethoven. As part of this series, the PSO explores some of the lesser-known works, including the recently discovered Oboe Concerto, alongside repertoire favorites such as the Symphony No. 5 and the "Emperor" Piano Concerto. At the end of years one and four, the Project is crowned with Beethoven's epic Symphony No. 9.

Click here for a brief look at the Life of Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven Project 2011-2012 Season Repertoire

In the third year of the Beethoven Project, Manfred Honeck and the PSO continue their presentation of this illustrious composer’s complete symphonies and concertos, complemented by chamber works from the same time period.  The PSO explores music from Beethoven’s early and middle periods along with important events shaping Beethoven’s emotional, and often tumultuous, life at the time. 

Explore & Engage features include Concert Preludes, performances and commentary on his chamber works, displays and more.  

Beethoven Project 2010-2011 Season Repertoire

In year two, we take a closer look at how Beethoven painstakingly developed simple musical ideas into enduring works of art. Unlike Mozart, Beethoven toiled over drafts and sketches, which hold the key to the composer's creative procedures.

As performer, Beethoven the pianist takes us to early 19^th century-Vienna. Learn more about the classical-era piano, Beethoven's contributions to its development, and the rise and decline of his powers as a virtuoso pianist.

Beethoven Project 2009-2010 Season Repertoire

Beethoven's popularity was almost immediate during his lifetime and has never waned to this day. Our exploration begins with a central theme – hearing loss and its impact on the composer. We then turn to the popular image of Beethoven as the Romantic artist of suffering and triumph, tracing its origins in the writings of his contemporaries and later generations.

With Symphony No. 9, we probe the social, cultural and political forces of Beethoven's time and navigate the musical treasures of this iconic work.