The Thirty Two Piano Sonatas of Beethoven

The Mountain View Connection embarks on a new project this February, The 32 Piano Sonatas of Beethoven, performed by pianist Charles Foreman. Beginning February 28th, these nine concerts will run until May 28, 2016. All concerts will take place at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 – 8 Street SW, Calgary). There are many series, suites and cycles of pieces which can be considered “up there” in the pianist’s standard repertoire, but none can quite come close to Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas. “I am a believer in giving gifts,” says Kathleen van Mourik, the Artistic Co-Director of the Mountain View Connection. “And I am convinced that Beethoven’s thirty-two piano sonatas are a gift many of us have never had the experience of sharing, hearing live, or performing.” Performances of the complete Beethoven sonatas are very rare – few pianists have the time or the inclination to tackle such a monumental journey. Ten years ago Charles Foreman performed his – and Calgary’s – first cycle to sold-out houses and standing ovations. “Ten years between Beethoven piano sonata cycles is too long,” says van Mourik. “And this cycle also serves to fulfill another purpose. It is a chance for both of us, Charles and myself, as Artistic Directors of Mountain View, to give back to our audience.” This cycle is also a fundraiser for Mountain View Connection’s other musical projects that support emerging musicians. All the funds raised from these nine concerts will go directly towards their projects to showcase talented young musicians in concerts, masterclasses, and recitals. The first programme, on February 28th, includes Beethoven’s first published piano sonata, Op. 2, No. 1 in F minor, as well as the famous “Pastoral” Sonata, No. 15 in D major, Op. 28, the fascinating and rarely-played Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op 54, and one of the greatest and most influential of Beethoven’s sonatas, the 28th one in the cycle, Op. 101 in A major. Single tickets are $30 (adults) / $20 (students/seniors) / FREE (children 12 and under). A pass to all nine concerts is also available for $200 (adults) / $130 (students/seniors) and a “1/3 Pass” – which can be used for any three concerts – is available for $75 (adults) / $50 (students/seniors). For more information or to purchase tickets, call (403) 240-4174, e-mail mvfest@telus.net, or visit http://www.mountainviewfestival.com.

Location:

Christ Church

Speaker:

Charles Foreman, Professor Emeritus of Music

More information at http://www.ucalgary.ca/events/calendar/thirty-two-piano-sonatas-beethoven