Looking back at Beethoven concert 'Call for a Better World'
What an extraordinary afternoon of music, inspiration and vision! On Sunday 27th of September at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp, Kit Armstrong, Le Concert Olympique and Jan Caeyers delivered breathtaking performances of Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto and Third Symphony (the ‘Eroica’). From the youthful brilliance of the concerto to the heroic power of the symphony, every note echoed Beethoven’s enduring Call for a Better World.
A powerful message
In contrast to the first two symphonies, which were still composed very much in keeping with tradition, in the Third Symphony Beethoven displays his own heroic style for the first time, radically pushing the boundaries of the music of his day.
The Eroica is thus regarded as both Beethoven’s first major symphony and the first groundbreaking Romantic symphony. This is made clear by the composition’s length, drama and depth. Moreover, the symphony contains an important message in which the heroic aspect takes on a universal humanistic significance.
In this work, Beethoven connects musical content with extra-musical meaning for the first time. We can therefore interpret the Eroica as the dream of a better world, a call whose relevance is greater than ever. With this programme, the Beethoven27 project heralds the special Beethoven Year 2027 and, in doing so, underlines the ‘Call for a Better World’.
Before the Third Symphony, the American star pianist Kit Armstrong performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major (Op. 19), a piece brimming with youthful enthusiasm.
Two pioneering projects
Ahead of the concert, Beethoven27 also unveiled two pioneering initiatives that look firmly towards the future: the AI project BeBeethoven and the Beethoven Nature Fund.
BeBeethoven, developed together with imec, Kit Armstrong and Jan Caeyers, will explore the intersection of Beethoven, improvisation and artificial intelligence. The new Beethoven Nature Fund, created with partners including the Nature Wealth Foundation and Goodcarbon, will support nature conservation and ecosystem restoration, inspired by Beethoven’s profound love of the natural world.
Together, these projects reflect the spirit of Beethoven27: building a better world through the power of music, innovation and nature.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable occasion. We look forward to welcoming you again on the road to Beethoven Year 2027.
Beethoven marathon concert in Bonn 2026
On Sunday 13 September 2026, Jan Caeyers, Kit Armstrong and Le Concert Olympique gave a magnificent marathon concert at the Beethovenfest in Bonn. 22,000 people watched the live stream from the sold-out Beethovenhalle.
Review Beethoven27 at Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele 2026
The second edition of the Monrepos Open Air at the Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele proved to be a complete success. Conductor Jan Caeyers and Le Concert Olympique delivered an outstanding Beethoven performance, together with star pianist Kit Armstrong.
Interview with Kit Armstrong and Jan Caeyers at the Beethovenfest Bonn 2026
Conductor Jan Caeyers and star pianist Kit Armstrong have already performed an impressive series of Beethoven concerts together. How did they meet? Who invented the Beethoven27 project? Which performances are coming up soon? Read on.
Review '1802: Crisis and Resurrection' by Beethoven27
On Tuesday 17 February 2026, at the Schouwburg in 30CC Leuven, Jan Caeyers and Kit Armstrong, together with Le Concert Olympique, presented a particularly well-conceived programme entitled Crisis and Resurrection. Read the full review.
Why sponsoring Beethoven27 is a smart business move: 6 key benefits
Did you know that investing in culture benefits both your company and society? Supporting the Beethoven27 project offers your company 6 strategic advantages that boost your business while having a broader societal impact. Curious? Dive in!
Looking back at our third production ‘1804: Courage and Heroism’
A performance of the highest quality resulting in a standing ovation: the essence of our third concert production. In March 2025, Beethoven27 took the stage at the municipal theatres in Leuven, Hamburg and Ludwigsburg. 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'.
Beethoven Today, Living Tomorrow: musical narrative with Jan Caeyers
In December 2023, we brought sponsors and partners together at Living Tomorrow in Vilvoorde for a musical narrative with dinner by Beethoven expert Jan Caeyers. A fantastic evening dedicated to the new Beethoven project.
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.