ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA’S 5-DAY FESTIVAL IS THE ANSWER TO 19.4 MILLION BRITS WHO SAY THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN GOING TO A BEETHOVEN CONCERT

• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra announces a 5-day festival of Beethoven’s music at London’s Cadogan Hall
• New research shows 22% of Brits say they would like to learn more about classical/orchestral music, while 37% say they would be interested in going to a concert that features Beethoven’s music
• Classic FM’s John Suchet presents at festival directed by Pinchas Zukerman

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced a five-day festival of Beethoven’s music in partnership with Classic FM – Beethoven: The Revolutionary – between 23-27 June 2020, to celebrate 250 years since the great composer’s birth.

The announcement comes at a time when research, commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, finds that interest in orchestral music among the general public continues to be sky-high. It found that while 22% of Brits say they would like to learn more about classical/orchestral music, a massive 37% - the equivalent of 19.4 million adults – say they would be interested in attending a traditional orchestral concert – either for the first time or otherwise – which features music by Beethoven.

The festival is the cornerstone of Cadogan Hall’s celebration of Beethoven’s 250^th Anniversary this year, with nine concerts ranging from piano recitals to chamber concerts or full orchestral concerts.

It is directed by Pinchas Zukerman, acclaimed chamber musician and the RPO’s Guest Conductor, who will also perform solos on violin and viola.

Several of the concerts will be hosted by Classic FM presenter John Suchet, who will join the orchestra and soloists on stage between pieces. As well as being a celebrated broadcaster, Suchet has published seven books on Beethoven, the latest a special 250th-anniversary edition of Beethoven — The Man Revealed. Throughout 2020, he also presents a year-long series of the same name, broadcast every Saturday night at 9 pm on Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station.

Alongside three orchestral concerts by the Royal Philharmonic, there will be performances by the Jerusalem Quartet in two concerts, and solo recitals from pianists Jae-Hyuck Cho and Angela Cheng.

James Williams, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra commented: “Beethoven’s 250^th Anniversary could be the spark needed for those interested in coming to an orchestral concert but don’t know where to start. Our research suggests the number of people who fall into this group is actually huge, stretching age groups, cities and regions. It goes without saying that Beethoven’s music is unparalleled, and continues to be as fresh and powerful as the day it was written over 200 years ago. However, with some of the world’s best musicians performing in the intimate setting of Cadogan Hall, alongside John Suchet’s profound ability to connect with orchestral listeners, if ever there was a pool to dip your toe in, this is it.”

Classic FM presenter and Beethoven expert John Suchet said: “To be able to immerse ourselves in Beethoven’s music for five whole days, to hear an unparalleled variety of his works, is a joy beyond words. Beethoven’s music has the power to change people’s lives. After one of my early talks, an elderly gentleman came up to me and said: “Beethoven saved my life. Twice." And he walked away. I have no idea to this day how it happened, but I can fully understand that it did. I am honoured and excited to be presenting this festival in Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year.”

Adam McGinlay, Managing Director, Cadogan Hall, added: “Beethoven: The Revolutionary is one of the highlights of our 2020 calendar showcasing the best of our orchestra in residence with its Principal Guest Conductor Pinchas Zukerman. We’re delighted to be at the centre of the Beethoven 250 celebrations with this project. Cadogan Hall is a unique place to experience this kind of music, whether it is someone’s first experience or 101^st – everyone is welcome.”

For more information, further data tables or to arrange interviews, contact:

Guy Bellamy / Jim Follett - elephant communications

Tel: 01342 870943/ 142 or 07766 775216

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The research was undertaken among a GB nat rep sample of 2,059 adults by YouGov.

19.4m figure:

There are 52,383,965 adults (aged 18 and over) in the UK, according to ONS figures

37% (those that said they would be interested in attending a concert that featured Beethoven’s music) of this figure is 19,382,067.