Beethoven’s Birthday in ISO
Selby & Friends return with their much-anticipated all-Beethoven program – shot in high res, hi-fi under social distance protocols at Sydney’s spectacular City Recital Hall (its first concert since lockdown). And it is available online to all from 4 July!
Following the extraordinary success of her first COVID-safe concert in May, outstanding Australian international pianist Kathryn Selby AM and her colleagues now bring Beethoven’s best to Australian – and worldwide – audiences, in an online concert celebrating the master’s 250th birthday.
This special tribute is centred on Beethoven’s revolutionary ‘Ghost’ Piano Trio, bookended by his much-loved C minor Trio Opus 1, No. 3 and Beethoven’s own arrangement for piano trio of his spectacular Symphony No. 2. The entire concert – with a bundle of special features (including introductions by the artists, a Q+A, concert program booklet and more) – is released to the public on 4 July.
Selby has a long-standing partnership with City Recital Hall, including having created their hit A Little Lunch Music series – of which she is co-Artistic Director. Selby & Friends touring element had entered its 14th year just ahead of the Covid-19 lockdown. Her first ‘Let’s Get Personal’ concert from lockdown broke through with top quality video and audio production. 
This, the 2nd in the filmed series, goes even further in bringing quality classical content to music lovers from a spectacular venue – ahead of what all hope is a gentle, safe easing of our enforced separation from live music!
Selby’s focus on supporting young Australian artists is evident again with debut guest artist, violinist Harry Ward, a rising star and 2020-21 Musica Viva Futuremaker, who has performed around the world and counts international and Australian prizes amongst his accolades. The popular Principal Cellist of the ACO, Timo-Veikko (Tipi) Valve, a long-time Selby & Friends collaborator, completes this impressive trio.
The program is a tribute to Beethoven’s mastery across both chamber and symphonic genres during this, his 250th birthday year. Whilst Beethoven never gave a nickname to his famous ‘Ghost’ piano trio, from early on Shakespeare’s Hamlet forever provided the title of the Piano Trio in D major Op. 70, No. 1 – inspired by its eerie sounding second movement.
The filmed concert with all its extras – as well as two ‘behind-the-scenes’ mini-films – is available to 2020 subscribers any time, as well as to ticketed patrons and new purchasers for 48 hours, a week or the year. It can be bought as the full-length concert or individual pieces and prices start at just $12.
For full details of Beethoven’s Ghost and all concerts, tickets, free audio, video trailers and more, visit www.selbyandfriends.com.au or call 1300 511 099.
