Beethoven Today, Living Tomorrow: musical narrative with Jan Caeyers
"All men become brothers and everyone knows Beethoven."
Almost two hundred years after his death in 1827, Beethoven is world-famous and has become one of the most important icons in Western cultural history. The reason for that is undoubtedly because of the beautiful music he composed, but equally, because his significance transcends music. Beethoven sent a message to humanity about the meaning of life, man's place in the cosmos, man's ability to define his life, to overcome any setbacks (becoming deaf, for example) and to push boundaries through innovative thinking.
Beethoven's music also expresses the hope for a better world, a world of peace in which people feel connected with each other. It is therefore no coincidence that the final chorus of the Ninth Symphony has formed the basis for the European hymn. In this sense, Beethoven has great topical value both today and tomorrow. And it is our mission to spread his message for humanity worldwide.
It is a deliberate choice to tell Beethoven's unique story in the brand-new innovation centre of Living Tomorrow. The theme of the evening? Music and mankind. Innovation and inspiration. Culture with a climax that leads to 2027. Welkome!
Jan Caeyers
Watch the kick-off AFTERMOVIE of BEETHOVEN27
Relive an exciting and inspiring musical evening in Living Tomorrow
with Beethoven expert JAN CAEYERS
and pianist PIET KUIJKEN
Explore our third production ‘1804: Courage and Heroism’
Curious about our third production? On 4 March, Beethoven27 takes the stage at the Schouwburg in Leuven for an excellent musical evening. This third production will also be performed in Ludwigsburg and Hamburg. On the programme: beautiful Beethoven music composed during his heroic period at the beginning of the 19th century.
Get to know Pauline Jocqué: Production Manager of Le Concert Olympique
To get an orchestra on stage, a lot has to be done behind the scenes: from booking flights, over tuning pianos, to managing 50 musicians coming from all over the world. We met up with Pauline Jocqué. Curious about the responsibilities on the to-do list of this dedicated Production Manager of Le Concert Olympique?
Kit Armstrong on the first concert production: a strong and personal vision
In late October and early November, Le Concert Olympique delivered no less than five splendid concerts. Star pianist Kit Armstrong took centre stage in each concert. How does he look back on this first concert production? We caught up with him for an intriguing interview.
Meet Friedemann Breuninger: the concertmaster of Le Concert Olympique
In the orchestra, the leader of the first violins also fulfils the role of concertmaster. A crucial function that Friedemann Breuninger has been performing in Le Concert Olympique since 2011. We delve into his experiences and insights in this vital position.
Relive the success of our first production ‘1800: Juvenile Enthusiasm: The Beginning of an Era’
World class. Outstanding! Top level. On 27 October, Beethoven27 was a guest at the magnificent Saint Peter and Paul Church in Mechelen, preceded and followed by concerts in Ludwigsburg and Hamburg.
Meet AI Beethoven
Always wanted to meet Beethoven in real life? You can! Beethoven27 is bringing the famous musical genius to life via a Holobox with a 3D hologram. This wonderful project is made in collaboration with OG Studio, a full-stack Web3 studio based in Belgium.
New Beethoven book in progress: Jan Caeyers explains
Fifteen years after the release of his debut ‘Beethoven: A Life’, Jan Caeyers is busy working on a second Beethoven book. In a compelling interview, he reveals a glimpse of what is to come.
Meet proud partner fashion house Natan
Meet couturier Edouard Vermeulen, founder of Belgian fashion house Natan. Over the years, he has garnered a reputation as a high-end fashion designer with an eye for elegant female clothing. Now, Natan has decided to dress the female musicians of Le Concert Olympique.
Call for peace - Ninth Symphony
On 13 May 2024 in Antwerp, Le Concert Olympique, pianist Kit Armstrong and the Arnold Schoenberg Choir performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in the Elisabethzaal in Antwerp. The official opening concert of Beethoven27, dedicated to a European 'Call for peace'.
Why Beethoven matters: Jan Caeyers and Kit Armstrong in conversation
An established conductor and world-class pianist met to discuss their favourite subject: Beethoven. Jan Caeyers and Kit discuss the project’s mission, vision and the relevance of classical music today.
Presenting with pride: Beethoven27
The year 2027 provides a unique opportunity to celebrate Beethoven and Europe. The result is Beethoven27 and the organisation of concerts throughout Europe. Discover the project's origins.
Designing the Beethoven tour
At the heart of the Beethoven tour are 27 key compositions spread across nine programmes. Project founder and conductor Jan Caeyers explains the carefully-chosen structure behind each programme.