Lovers of Beethoven - which still total astounding numbers 184 years after the great maestro's death - can bask in his transporting compositions during Beethoven Abend.
The Prince George Conservatory of Music faculty presents the homage to the composer and his German heritage, as reflected in the event's name - abend meaning evening - takes place Saturday at St. Andrew's United Church, 3555 Fifth Avenue at 8 p.m.
It's the first of three Conservatory staff showcases.
Beethoven's music is sometimes mellifluous and sometimes intrinsically complicated, quirky and demanding to play.
Audiences will get a taste of that diversity.
"There will be chamber music and solo performances," said artistic director Jose Delgado-Guevara. "We also have some weird, neglected Beethoven works and we're going to play a duet originally written for viola and cello. This is one of the weird, whimsical Beethoven pieces."
Delgado-Guevara said Beethoven made a point of distinguishing himself from the popular composers of his day, such as Mozart. And he did so quite successfully.
As such, his work is perfect for the talent pool at the The Prince George Conservatory of Music.
"Beethoven's music is crystal clear, emotionally charged but incredibly technically difficult, and that's a good way to showcase the faculty," said Delgado-Guevara.
Refreshments at each show will reflect the theme, so Beethoven's concert will feature German pastries and other treats.
Tickets for the performance have a twist to them. Group tickets - for any number of people - are $40.
"If you bring 10 people you can split the cost," said Delgado-Guevara. "It's any group of people you bring together - family, friends - any amount of humans."
Individual tickets are $20 at the door, and individual season tickets are $45. All proceeds go towards the continuing education of the faculty who like to stay current as teachers. Any course or seminar the teacher wishes to attend will be supplemented by the funds raised during the concerts.
The second of the faculty concert series it be held in March is called Sacred and Profane, and the third scheduled for May is entitled Spring in Paris.
