Organization

Conductor

Gianandrea Noseda

Washington National Opera

Orchestra

National Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven & American Masters: George Walker & Beethoven’s Second Symphony

Washington D.C.

United States

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Public

Egmont, op. 84

Sinfonia No. 2

Overture Coriolano op. 62

Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36

Approved

To accompany the National Symphony Orchestra’s "Beethoven & American Masters" concert series led by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda, inaugural Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems presents "Beethoven Symphonies Abstracted," an exhibition of nine large-scale, painted abstractions inspired by the music and genius of Ludwig van Beethoven. This is your chance to “see” music and “hear” art!

The nine works will be on display from January 8–March 20, 2022, in the Kennedy Center's Hall of Nations during the Center’s public operating hours. The painted abstractions associated with Symphony No. 1 through 8 are each 60¼" x 40¼" (height by width), while the longest symphony—Symphony No. 9—is larger at 74⅛" x 40¼". Willems provides his own notes and context in the exhibit, but viewers are encouraged to seek out their own interpretations of both art and music.

Beethoven & American Masters: George Walker & Beethoven’s Second Symphony: Egmont, op. 84 Beethoven (+3 More)

Beethoven’s Second marks a new boldness in the composer’s work. It bristles with intensity, pushing harmonic boundaries with energy, comedy, and rebellious bravado. Gianandrea Noseda pairs this dramatic piece with two of Beethoven’s most famous overtures and George Walker’s Sinfonia No. 2, a mysterious and hopeful masterwork.

Part of Beethoven & American Masters:
George Walker & William Grant Still
Ludwig van Beethoven’s music was groundbreaking, original, and provocative. To preserve his legacy of challenging musical norms, Music Director Gianandrea Noseda continues the NSO’s acclaimed Beethoven and American Masters festival with four glorious programs of Beethoven symphonies paired with works by trailblazing American composers George Walker and William Grant Still. Take your “forever preserved” seat in the Concert Hall as these concerts will be recorded live for release on the NSO’s new record label!

English

Beethoven & American Masters: George Walker & Beethoven’s Second Symphony by Beethoven, Walker, George, From (2023/2023), Conductor Gianandrea Noseda, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C., United States

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Ensemble

Programme, About & Synopsis

Videos

Photos

Further reading

Performance Dates & Venues

Venues